The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 166

Hans shivered, unable to help himself.

“Anthony, if you keep holding Ms. Main like that, what if…”

What if someone snapped a picture and it ended up all over the internet?

Anthony glanced down at Charlotte, curled up in his arms like a kitten, looking so small and quiet. “Shh.” He smiled, lifting the jacket higher so it covered her face, letting only her dark, shining eyes peek out.

He didn’t mind being recognized, but Charlotte was still so young, still in school. The last thing he wanted was for her to get pulled into any of this.

He carried Charlotte into the taxi, slid into the seat, and settled her right back on his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Charlotte tipped her chin up, whispering, “We’re safe now.” There was really no reason for him to keep holding her like this.

“I know.” Anthony’s lips curved into a small smile. He leaned in close, his warm breath brushing against her cheek. His voice dropped low and soft. “Honestly, I just want to hold you, Lottie. Will you let me?”

Charlotte breathed in his scent and felt her cheeks burn. Her heart thumped wildly, but she forced herself to look away and pretend she was calm.

What a sneaky fox—always acting first, asking permission later.

…

At Imperial Heights, Anthony carried Charlotte to her room and laid her gently on the bed. He knelt down beside her, his voice quiet and kind. “Did I scare you?”

Charlotte hesitated, then gave a half-hearted nod. “Who were those people? Why are they after you?”

Anthony picked up a warm towel and started wiping her fingers carefully. He didn’t look up, just gave a little smile. “There are plenty of enemies in business.”

When she heard the door click shut, she sat up against the headboard and pulled her tablet from under the pillow. She opened the Find website. The client had already agreed and transferred two hundred million into her account.

Charlotte arched an eyebrow, then sent the money straight to the institute.

Adonis: Charlotte, the money’s in! And there’s even a bonus. I’m about to cry from happiness.

Charlotte smiled to herself, thinking about the car crash earlier. Her fingers flew over the screen as she pulled up the accident surveillance footage and dropped it into the group chat.

Nine: By tomorrow morning, I don’t want that foreign conglomerate to exist anymore.

Adonis: Charlotte, what did that company do to you? You’re going to wipe them out overnight?

Nine: They messed with my people.