The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1954

“You've got this, bro!”

Anthony wiped his fingers methodically with a napkin and casually interjected, “If you have the time, you should probably figure out the messy web of relationships between all of you.”

“It's great to keep things in the family, but the family tree is starting to look like a tangled mess.”

Dropping that truth bomb, Anthony picked up his bowl of pistachios and strolled back over to Lottie.

Taking the hint.

The rest of the guys scattered to find their respective partners.

Not wanting to intrude on anyone's romantic moment, Stella opted to find a quiet corner to hide in.

But as soon as she turned around, she nearly crashed right into Samantha.

“Samantha, I'm so sorry.”

Stella gasped, panic flooding her chest. “Did I hurt you?”

“Oh, sweetheart, my health is perfectly fine.” Samantha had been desperately looking for a chance to corner Stella. Seizing the moment, she enveloped the girl's hands in her own, her face radiating maternal warmth. “Are you alright?”

It wasn't their first time meeting, but before, Samantha hadn't known about Roger's intentions.

She hadn't paid Stella much attention.

Now, seeing her up close, she realized just how beautiful the girl was. She had such a gentle, kind aura that made people instantly feel at ease.

“...”

Stella tried to subtly pull her hands back, but found Samantha had a surprisingly iron-clad grip. “I-I'm fine,” she stammered nervously.

“That's wonderful.”

Samantha beamed at her, refusing to let go. “By the way, were you looking for something?”

“You aren't familiar with the estate. Let me find someone to show you around.”

Without missing a beat, Samantha raised her voice and called out to Roger, who had conveniently been monitoring them from a distance. “You! Don't you have anything better to do? Come keep our guest company!”

Framing it like that gave Stella plenty of respect and an out.

Yes.

He was just keeping a guest company. Absolutely no matchmaking going on here.

“No—” Seeing Roger immediately start walking over, Stella panicked and told a tiny white lie. “I actually just wanted to use the restroom.”

“The restroom, huh...”

Samantha frowned.

But the kinder people were to her, the more Stella felt terrified of somehow bringing them pain.

Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly felt the heavy warmth of a black trench coat settling over her shoulders.

Startled, she looked up and found Roger's striking face looking down at her.

“Here.”

Roger handed her a small container of fish food, his voice soft. “These belong to my grandfather. There are quite a few different species in there.”

“Why did you come out here?”

Stella stood up and tossed a handful of pellets into the water. She watched the fish scramble to the surface before murmuring, “I'm fine by myself. You should go back inside and entertain your guests.”

“No need.”

Roger turned his head to look at her, his dark eyes intense and unwavering. “I only have time to entertain you.”

“Cough, cough...”

Stella choked on her breath, her face instantly burning as her heart hammered against her ribs.

He was getting so direct...

How was she supposed to handle this!