The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 267

Imperial Heights was glowing with light. Charlotte had just slipped under the covers when Helen walked in, holding a sleek black gift bag.

“Charlotte, I brought what you need,” Helen said, her voice gentle.

Charlotte hadn’t even asked for anything, so there was only one way Helen could have known. Anthony must have told her. Charlotte pressed her lips together, cheeks turning pink. Older men really did know how to take care of things.

“Do you need any help?” Helen asked, smiling warmly, treating her like she was something precious.

“No, thank you, Helen.” Charlotte gave her a polite smile.

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, a tall shadow filled the doorway. Anthony stepped in, holding a steaming cup of peppermint tea in one hand and a heating pad in the other.

“I’ve got it from here. If we need anything, I’ll call,” he said to Helen.

“Yes, sir.”

“And have someone pick up a couple of heating patches for stomach cramps,” he added.

Helen glanced at the hot tea, looking a little surprised. Anthony had never dated anyone, yet he seemed to know more about taking care of a woman on her period than she did. He really spoiled Charlotte, through and through.

After Helen left, Anthony sat on the edge of the bed and set the tray down. He reached out, gently brushing a damp strand of hair off Charlotte’s forehead, then lifted the blanket and tucked the heating pad onto her stomach.

“This should help for now,” he said, bringing the cup of tea to her lips. “It’s a bit hot, so let me feed you.”

Charlotte stayed quiet, just opening her mouth as Anthony blew on each spoonful to cool it, then fed it to her. Everything felt a little too sweet, and she turned her face away without thinking, trying to resist.

“Drink a bit more,” Anthony said, not letting her escape. He stood up, leaning closer, his voice half coaxing, half warning. “If you don’t, you’ll feel even worse tonight.”

Charlotte looked at him, her fingers sneaking over to squeeze his palm. She leaned in a little, her pretty face close, about to say something when—

“I’ll go grab the heating patches. Just rest for now.”

Before she could say a word, Anthony stood up and left the room. Charlotte watched him go, feeling even more frustrated. Did he really not notice her trying to get closer to him?

She pouted for a few seconds, then glanced at the nightstand and spotted the half-finished tea. After a moment, she picked up the cup and drank it all in one go.

...

Late at night, Charlotte wandered into Anthony’s room, still half asleep in her pajamas.