The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 283

“Oh, come on…” Patricia’s dramatic groan carried through the phone. “Anne, I’ve got the worst headache.”

Anthony overheard her, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. “Is she pretending again?”

Anne couldn’t help but look embarrassed. “She’s not faking this time. Patricia’s pretty upset about losing the diamond.”

Anthony fell quiet for a moment, his eyes softening as he gazed at Charlotte in his arms. “Lottie,” he murmured, “will you come home with me?”

“To The Blair Estate?” she asked, her voice small.

He nodded, brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead. His eyes held a hidden worry. “My grandmother… she’s not feeling well.”

Charlotte didn’t answer right away. Was it nerves about meeting his family? She remembered the woman she’d saved, the one who’d smiled at her so sweetly when she woke up.

Anthony squeezed her cheek, his voice gentle. “Don’t worry, Grandma’s great. She really likes you. She’s been wanting to meet you for a while.”

Charlotte thought it over, then gave a lazy little “Mm.”

…

Half an hour later, an impressive estate came into view. The black iron gates swung open, and Anthony’s sleek black sports car rolled up the drive.

The guards at the entrance straightened, ready to greet them, but Anthony put a finger to his lips, signaling for silence.

They all exchanged shocked glances. Was this real? Anthony had actually brought a woman home.

“What’s going on?” Patricia mumbled around a mouthful of cake. “Can’t it wait? I need to eat first.”

“Anthony’s back…” Anne blurted out, barely getting the words out as her nerves got the best of her.

“So? Let him come home.” Patricia crammed another bite in, looking like she didn’t care at all.

“No, wait…” Anne finally managed to string a full sentence together. “Miss Healer is with him. Anthony brought Charlotte home.”

What? Charlotte was here too? Patricia’s eyes went wide and she almost choked. She was sure Anthony brought her just because he heard she was sick. It was all happening too fast. She wasn’t ready at all.

“Hurry, clean this up!” Patricia spat her cake into the trash and wiped her mouth, scrambling toward the stairs. “Anne, I’m going to lie down. Remember, I’ve got a headache. It’s so bad I can’t eat a thing…”