The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 155

Charlotte stopped in her tracks and turned her head, just enough to send a look so icy it could chill anyone to the bone. She didn’t have to say a word. Nancy instantly shrank back, grabbed Olivia’s arm, and rushed away with her.

They only slowed down when they were sure Charlotte wasn’t coming after them. Nancy let out a shaky sigh and said, “Thank goodness. After finals, we’ll never have to see that walking disaster again.”

Olivia finally let herself smile, her tense face relaxing with relief.

“Hey, Olivia, isn’t your piano competition next week?” Nancy asked, her voice full of excitement. “Honestly, do you think the other contestants are going to back out when they see your name on the list?”

Olivia tried to play it cool. “I just want to do my best. There are so many talented people entering. It’s not like I’m guaranteed to win.”

Nancy wasn’t having it. “Come on, if you can’t win, then nobody can. Trust me. You’re going to make Laura so proud.”

She leaned in, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, and I heard Kenneth is going to be the special guest to announce the winners. Isn’t he your favorite? This is huge. People would be jealous for a lifetime!”

With Nancy hyping her up, Olivia’s smile grew even brighter. She could almost see it now. The trophy in her hands. Laura looking at her with pride. She’d climb to the very top of Cabinda’s social scene, and when she did, she’d make sure Charlotte wouldn’t even have a chance to breathe the same rarefied air.

…

In Class C, nobody was getting through the door. Cardboard boxes were stacked high, completely blocking the entrance. Eleanor was at the front, organizing everyone as they hauled the boxes inside.

Charlotte glanced over and saw what was inside—neatly folded uniforms, all stamped with Vanguard High School’s logo.

Behind her, students trapped outside by the boxes started to grumble.

Andrew and Parrish stood there, completely stunned. It took them a second to get their words back, then they hurried over to Charlotte’s desk and whispered, “Charlotte, what kind of training is that? Is it some kind of martial arts?”

Charlotte slid her bag into the desk, pulled out a carton of milk, and took a long sip. “Yeah,” she replied, barely interested.

For a second, Andrew and Parrish just stared. No wonder she was so tough in a fight.

Charlotte looked up, her tone casual. “I used to herd cattle out in the countryside. Running up and down the mountains all day… you get good at this stuff.” She took another sip and glanced at Andrew. “Wanna learn?”

Andrew’s face twisted in disbelief. “No thanks. I think I’ll pass.”