The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1978

"She spent two months at Montara School at the end of her break."

"Got it."

Veronica hung up with a scowl and opened her browser to dig into Montara School's records.

So that was it.

Dr. Roger's injury was because of her.

—

It was the weekend.

Stella had been coaxed into visiting Samantha's company after relentless persuasion.

Samantha owned a massive, top-tier real estate development firm.

Led by a chauffeur, Stella walked into the executive office, her heart pounding with anxiety.

"Boss, Ms. Stella is here."

Several senior executives were in the middle of a briefing.

"You're here!" At the sound of the assistant's voice, Samantha's stern, corporate mask instantly melted into a beaming smile. She waved the girl over. "Come here, sweetheart."

"???"

The executives simultaneously looked up, casting confused and stunned glances at Stella.

Who was this girl?

The Boss's attitude toward her was... completely unprecedented.

"Mrs. Gates."

Stella stepped forward, offering a polite, composed nod of greeting.

"Good girl." Samantha pinched Stella's cheek affectionately before fixing her executives with a cold, authoritative glare. "I have some personal business to attend to. Someone escort her to the showroom."

"Yes, Boss."

The executives exchanged bewildered looks, scrambled to gather their documents, and hurriedly filed out.

The office fell silent.

"Sit, sweetheart."

Samantha's radiant smile returned. She pressed Stella into her own CEO chair, ordered someone to bring in pastries, and spoke in a honeyed tone. "It was a bit of a drive, wasn't it? Are you tired?"

"I'm fine."

Half an hour wasn't a long drive.

"Mrs. Gates, did you need me for something?" Stella asked, clearly confused.

"Oh, definitely." Samantha grabbed Stella's hand and pulled her toward the door, talking as they walked. "I need you to help me pick something out."

This was going to be their marital home, after all.

At the thought...

Samantha couldn't even try to hide the massive grin spreading across her face. "Just pick one, sweetheart."

Being called 'sweetheart' every five seconds was a bit much to handle.

Stella's face flushed a deep pink.

"Um..."

She stood on her tiptoes, peering at the model, and pointed to the one that genuinely caught her eye. "The third one."

"The third one?"

Samantha followed her gaze and smirked approvingly. "You like the pond?"

"Mhm."

Stella nodded awkwardly.

"Done." Samantha clapped her hands. A staff member immediately rushed forward, bowing respectfully. "What are your orders, Boss?"

"Take Villa Number Three off the market."

Samantha patted Stella's hand, offering a deeply meaningful look. "It's for my future daughter-in-law."