The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 271

A plane glided in from overseas, touching down smoothly at Cabinda International Airport. As soon as the door opened, a tall figure stepped out of the cabin, his presence impossible to miss.

Roger wore a perfectly tailored black trench coat that made his already striking frame look even more commanding. His eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses, so no one could guess what he was thinking, but just the way he moved made it clear he didn’t fit in with the crowd.

“Roger, are you sure you don’t want me to call your family for a car?” his assistant asked, carefully hauling his luggage behind him.

“No need,” Roger replied, his voice cool and even. He wiped his hands with a disinfecting wipe and tossed it in the trash without a second look.

Tonight, Cabinda was hosting an event called Top of the World, an auction featuring rare jewels gathered from all over the globe. Rumor had it that the world’s largest, most flawless diamond would be the star of the show. Roger planned to buy it for Charlotte. Only the best would do for her.

…

At Vanguard High School, the last bell echoed through the halls.

Charlotte walked across the field, eyes on her phone as she scrolled through her messages. Andrew carried her backpack and walked alongside Parrish, just a few steps behind. Shirley kept pace at her side, rattling off the homework the teacher had assigned.

Jackson: Charlotte, the Global Forensic Medicine Society moved the body to Cabinda. They want you to handle it if you have time.

Nine: …

Seriously? She thought, rolling her eyes. The people at the society never improved their skills, but their ability to pass the buck only got stronger.

Charlotte’s brow creased, a faint annoyance flashing in her eyes as she typed back.

Nine: Do they not understand what I said, or do you not?

She’d already told them she wasn’t taking the case.

Even with just a few words, the chill in Charlotte’s response was enough to make Jackson’s fingers tremble as he read it. He really didn’t want to keep bothering her, but he had no choice.

Across the field, Olivia and Nancy had just left the restroom when they spotted Andrew and the others gathered around Charlotte.

“I’m starting to think Charlotte’s got some kind of magic or something,” Nancy whispered. “How else could she get so many people to like her, and so fast? Shirley’s one thing, but everyone else comes from these big, powerful families.”

Hearing this, Olivia’s hands curled into fists, jealousy flashing in her eyes. She let out a cold little laugh. “She’s all show. The higher people climb, the harder they fall.”

“You’re so right,” Nancy chimed in, eager to agree. “Hey, Olivia, I heard Joe invited you to the auction and saved you a seat.”

Olivia’s chin lifted in pride as she watched Charlotte’s group from a distance. “That’s right.”

The Top of the World auction was the most exclusive luxury event out there. If you didn’t have a fortune worth at least a billion, you didn’t even get an invitation.

Somewhere like that... Charlotte would never even get through the door.