The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1308

He was shameless, using the antidote as a bargaining chip and insisting they meet at The Hawk Estate to negotiate.

“It’s alright,” Franco said, gently running his fingers through his wife’s hair. His voice was calm and soothing. “Anthony’s already made all the arrangements. If Allanson tries anything, the rest of the Hawk family won’t make it out of here.”

Both sides were locked in a standoff, perfectly matched. No one could say who would come out ahead.

“Let’s get this over with,” Charlotte said, her lips pressed into a thin, determined line.

***

A long line of cars crept slowly through the gates of The Hawk Estate. The old, usually quiet castle was alive with activity for once. Everyone knew the Isle of Veil was about to see chaos.

The guards’ eyes were wide, but not one of them dared to stop the convoy, much less search the sports car.

Inside, Nora leaned into Franco’s embrace. Their fingers were laced together as she watched the scenery roll by outside the window.

“So, this is where you grew up?” she asked.

Franco nodded, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead and holding her close. “What do you think? Beautiful, right?”

Nora hesitated, then let out a faint, dry laugh. “It’s beautiful, sure, but it feels empty. Like it has no soul.”

To her, the estate was nothing more than a fancy cage, built to keep people trapped inside.

She turned her gaze from the window and looked up at Franco, her sigh barely audible. “Honestly, I’m grateful my mother had the courage to leave Allanson behind. To leave this place.”

Franco’s voice dropped, turning rough around the edges. “Nora, do you ever wonder… If your mom had stayed, maybe the Isle of Veil would look different now?”

His gaze flickered to the woman at Franco’s side, and he froze for a moment. That had to be Nora. The resemblance to Mrs. W was uncanny. He couldn’t help but wonder how Allanson would react.

With the butler leading, the group walked into the main hall.

Allanson was already there, seated with Aloys and Marcia beside him.

Spread throughout the room were hundreds of powerful leaders from foreign groups. The moment Charlotte’s group entered, every head turned their way.

The room went still. The tension was so thick, it was like the air could snap.

Marcia’s heart skipped when she saw Nora. She shot her father a look. This was Mrs. W’s daughter, Charlotte’s mother…