The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 137

“Trying to show off in front of Anthony…” Hans looked at Olivia, who just stood there, stunned and clueless. Disgust twisted his face. “You should go home and look in a mirror. Your outlook is as twisted as your looks. Seriously, you’re pathetic. Get lost already!”

He didn’t wait for her to react. Hans yanked Olivia aside, rough enough that she stumbled and nearly crashed into a trash can. In all these years, he’d seen way too many girls who thought a pretty face gave them the right to throw themselves at Anthony. He could spot their type a mile away. Charlotte was nothing like them—no drama, no fake attitude at all.

Still dazed, Olivia lost her balance and hit the ground hard. Humiliation burned in her chest.

“Dad…” Her voice was shaky, all pride gone.

“Olivia…” Steven knelt down to help her up, his face tight with worry. Even as he reached for her, he glanced nervously at Anthony. “Anthony, I’m sorry, Olivia was out of line. Please don’t let it upset you.”

He didn’t get it. Olivia was so talented. Every man who met her had nothing but praise. Why was it that in Anthony’s eyes, she was suddenly worthless? Was it true, what people whispered about Anthony? That he just wasn’t interested in women? Or maybe… it was something else, something wrong with him, which was why he never had anyone by his side?

Anthony barely looked at them, his eyes cold and bored. A mocking smile tugged at his lips. “Steven, you really are selfless. You don’t care about your own daughter, but you shower your stepdaughter with affection.”

Steven flinched, unsure if that was supposed to be a compliment or an insult. “Anthony, you’re too kind. I treat both my daughters the same.”

Hans rolled his eyes. Was stupidity catching? Thank goodness Charlotte didn’t live with this weirdo father and his daughter.

Anthony’s lips curled in a humorless smile, his eyes growing darker. He shrugged off his suit jacket and tossed it to Hans. “It reeks. Throw it out.”

Charlotte walked down the corridor with her backpack slung over one shoulder, eyes slightly downcast. She looked tired and annoyed, and the don’t-mess-with-me vibe rolling off her made everyone step aside.

“She’s so cool!”

“I heard she even dug up surveillance footage from three years ago. The school board official couldn’t stop praising her!”

“I thought she was from the countryside. Do they even have electricity out there now?”