The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1927

Thank you for saving him... and for saving me.

"Ensuring the safety of our benefactors is the responsibility of everyone in Montara," the principal said earnestly. "Ms. Stella, there's actually something I've been keeping from you. But seeing Dr. Roger like this, I have to tell you the truth."

Stella paused, holding a cotton swab she was using to clean a cut on Roger's forehead. She listened quietly.

"Before you even arrived, Dr. Roger specifically reached out to me, asking me to make sure your living conditions were as comfortable as possible. The day you got here, Dr. Roger was actually here too. He spent the entire night standing outside your dorm, just in case you couldn't sleep."

Stella knew Roger did a lot for her behind the scenes, but she never imagined he would go to such lengths.

"Later, when you passed out from that high fever, he was the one who took care of you all night," the principal continued. "He asked me to keep it a secret because he figured you probably didn't want to see him. And all the investments in our school and the village? That was all him. If Dr. Roger hadn't received that phone call and chased after you like a madman, you would have been in real danger in that storm."

Seeing Stella's silence, the principal couldn't tell if she was angry or not. He hesitated for a moment before speaking from the heart. "It's not my place to pry into your relationship. But... after seeing him for the past two months, it's clear Dr. Roger is a genuinely good man who cares for you deeply. Life is short. Whatever misunderstandings you two have, you should sit down and talk them through."

Life is short.

Stella's eyelashes fluttered. If the principal hadn't arrived with the locals today, Roger's life would have ended on that mountain.

The thought sent a sharp, agonizing ache straight through her heart.

"Is the student safe?" Stella asked, her voice raspy.

"She's perfectly fine, don't worry," the principal replied, looking at the young woman with a mix of surprise and admiration. He had always assumed girls from the city were fragile. Over the years, plenty of volunteer teachers had come and left shortly after, unable to handle the conditions. He never expected this girl to be so tough.

"Lottie," Stella swallowed hard, her voice hoarse. "I'm okay."

"Thank god." Charlotte gripped her phone, her expression tight and her palms slick with cold sweat. "What about Roger? How is he?"

"Dr. Roger got hurt trying to save me. He just got out of surgery and is sleeping," Stella said, her nerves stretched taut, the guilt washing over her again. "I'm so sorry, Lottie. He got hurt because of me."

Not just hurt—he had almost died.

"Which hospital is he at?" Charlotte's expression didn't relax at all.

"The local hospital in town," Stella answered honestly. "The doctor said he injured his head, arm, leg, and... his lower back."