The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 142

Charlotte pressed her lips together, silent and thoughtful. Anthony didn’t push for an answer. Instead, he gently ruffled her hair and spoke in a soft voice, “No matter what happens, Imperial Heights will always be your home. If you don’t mind, I can be your family too.”

His words sent her heart into an unpredictable rhythm. After a quiet moment, Charlotte tucked her phone away, glanced up at him, and teased, “So you’re planning to be my landlord forever?”

Anthony’s lips curved into a smile as he took her hand, giving her fingers a light squeeze. “You should dream bigger, you know. Like…”

Charlotte’s eyelashes fluttered as he leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. She couldn’t help but blush.

“You could be my landlord and collect my rent,” Anthony finished, his meaning clear.

He was offering more than a home—he was offering himself.

Charlotte just raised an eyebrow, not the least bit intimidated. A sly smile played on her lips. “You really are a businessman.”

“Oh? How do you figure?”

“You don’t just want my rent. You want me to go out, make money, and support you. Shameless.”

Anthony’s dark eyes sparkled, and a low, rough laugh rumbled from his chest. The sound lingered in the air, deep and tempting. She was still too young to catch his real meaning, but he let it go.

“Lottie, if you’re really so against supporting me…” Anthony gently traced her cheek with his thumb, voice barely above a whisper, “fine. I’ll take care of you instead.”

…

“Who else would it be?” Kenneth shot back, whipping off his cap. “I ran into some crazy fans. Barely escaped.” He caught sight of the mountain of peeled longans on the table and reached for them without thinking. “How thoughtful. You remembered I like—”

Before he could finish, Anthony slapped his hand away. Years of training had made him strong, and the sting made Kenneth jerk his hand back.

“Ow!” Kenneth grumbled, glaring at Anthony. “They’re not for me?”

Was there someone else here? Kenneth glanced around and spotted a backpack next to Anthony. The style was obviously a student’s—probably a guy’s. Was Anthony keeping some male student company now, even peeling fruit for him?

Kenneth’s eyelid twitched. His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he thought he might actually be sick.