The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 220

There was a trace of panic lingering in her hurried steps, almost impossible to notice. When the door shut, Anthony couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh, his chest shaking with amusement. Behave? If she weren’t still a teenager, he might actually consider finding out what not behaving felt like.

Vanguard High School came into view as Anthony pulled up to the curb. Charlotte hopped out, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and made her way toward the gates. She barely took two steps before someone blocked her path.

“Charlotte.”

Steven’s voice rang out as he came closer. Charlotte didn’t even look at him. She kept walking, her face perfectly blank.

“Wait, I want to talk to you.”

Seeing her ignore him, Steven quickly hurried to stand in front of her, forcing a smile that looked more awkward than warm.

“What do you want?” Charlotte’s tone was flat, her patience already running thin.

Steven lifted a small bag between them, his smile stretching wider. “I brought you some pastries. Remember how much you loved this cake when you were little?”

Charlotte stood still, her face unreadable. She didn’t reach for the bag.

Steven’s smile faltered. He lowered his voice, trying to sound gentle. “I know I was wrong before. Fathers and daughters shouldn’t hold grudges. It’s been long enough, hasn’t it? Aren’t you ready to let go of your anger?”

“Come home. I promise I’ll treat you better from now on.”

Treat her better? If that ever happened, the sun would probably rise in the west. Charlotte glanced at the pastries in his hand, catching the distinct smell of durian. A flicker of sarcasm danced in her eyes. Of all things, durian—her least favorite.

Steven didn’t waste much more time on small talk before cutting to the chase. “Charlotte, how do you know Samantha?”

“I noticed you two seemed pretty close. Could you maybe talk to her? Ask her not to make us pay so much in compensation?”

“Dad…”

Olivia stepped out of the car, finally making her presence known. She walked over and stood at Steven’s side.

“It’s true,” Olivia said softly, “we’re stuck paying all this because of Charlotte. But if she doesn’t want to help, that’s fine.”

She straightened her shoulders, confidence shining in her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’m going to win the piano competition this time. Once I do, my reputation will take off. Companies will be lining up to sponsor me. Ten million isn’t a big deal. I can make that back with a few ad deals.”

Steven sighed and reached out to gently pat Olivia’s cheek. His voice lowered, full of affection. “If only Charlotte could be half as thoughtful as you, none of this would have happened. She’s going to ruin the Main family’s reputation one day.”

But even as he complained, he couldn’t help but think about how much Charlotte had changed since she came back from the countryside. She seemed different now, and she even knew powerful people he couldn’t get close to himself. Maybe it was time to find out exactly what had happened to her all those years she was gone.