The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2005

The thunder was deafening now, the relentless rain thrashing against the trees. Downstairs, Roger was soaked to the bone, his broad shoulders hunched against the freezing downpour. He looked incredibly fragile.

"He won't listen, and he won't leave," Charlotte said nonchalantly, leaning against the window frame and studying Stella's terrified expression. "Whatever. I'll just have someone knock him out and shove some sleeping pills down his throat."

Stella's hands trembled, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the fabric of her shirt.

"I'll call Hans right now," Charlotte continued, pulling out her phone and putting on an award-winning performance. "Make sure they hit him somewhere non-lethal. We don't need him brain-damaged."

She paused, pretending to listen to the phone. "If he comes back tomorrow? Then you knock him out again. Do I have to explain everything to you?"

Stella's head was bowed deeply. "Let him in," she whispered.

"Sure thing." Charlotte immediately spoke into the phone. "Bring him inside."

She turned to Stella, her tone instantly softening. "If you don't want to see him, just lie down in the bedroom. I'll go check on him."

Stella sat on the edge of the bed, her face ashen and her expression heavy with unspeakable dread. Charlotte headed downstairs.

Roger stood shivering in the center of the living room, his clothes plastered to his skin. His bloodshot eyes immediately scanned the area.

"Go shower and change first," Charlotte ordered, her gaze dropping to his hand. She frowned. "If you don't take care of that, you're going to lose the arm."

Roger ignored her, his eyes locked on the staircase.

"She caved. She told me to let you in," Charlotte said dryly. "Now that you're in, figure out a way to stay. You've got plenty of shameless tactics, don't you?"

Roger managed a weak, self-deprecating smile and nodded, turning toward the bathroom. He barely took three steps before his vision swam. He swayed violently, slamming his hand against the wall just in time to stop himself from collapsing.

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