The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 303

“Really?” Kenneth’s voice was careful, almost wary, like he was afraid to believe what he just heard.

Normally, if he so much as glared at Anthony, Charlotte would be all over him, fiercely protective. But today, not only did she not stand up for Anthony, she was actually giving Kenneth the go-ahead to rough him up.

Something was definitely off. Anthony must have really pissed Lottie off this time.

The thought made Kenneth, frustrated for so long, sit up straighter. He couldn’t help but grin. “Don’t go feeling sorry for him after I’m done, okay?”

He swung open the car door, climbed out, and strutted away, determined to finally get his revenge.

But he barely made it a few steps before his face changed completely. He rushed right back into the car and slammed the door, looking more than a little freaked out.

“Since he came all the way here so late to pick you up, I’ll let it slide for now,” he mumbled, trying to sound casual.

Charlotte arched a brow and leaned over for a look. Outside, a big fluffy white Alaskan Malamute was pacing beside Anthony, tongue out and teeth bared in Kenneth’s direction.

98K.

She glanced back at Kenneth, who was now frantically locking the car door, and suddenly everything made sense. Not only could Kenneth not take Anthony, he couldn’t even handle Anthony’s dog.

While they were talking, something thumped against the window. 98K jumped up, barking at Kenneth twice before turning to Charlotte with big, hopeful eyes.

“Anthony, you’re going to scare Charlotte with that thing!” Kenneth complained. “Are you seriously this clueless? Can’t you see how wild that dog is? What if you freak Lottie out?”

But before he could finish, Lottie just reached out and scratched 98K’s head like she’d done it a million times. The dog, who was usually only friendly with Anthony, was now happily wriggling under her hand, completely losing that vicious look from before.

Kenneth just stared. Was Anthony really using his dog to win her over? Unbelievable.

But Charlotte sidestepped him, her eyes stormy as she shot him a wounded look. She grabbed 98K’s leash and walked off on her own, not even glancing his way.

Anthony’s hand hung in the air for a second before he lowered it, lips pressed together. Without missing a beat, he caught up to her.

“It’s cold tonight. Get in the car,” he said quietly.

He held the door open. Charlotte just stood there for a moment, then finally ducked inside.

“Awooo!” 98K was so happy to be cuddled, he wriggled nonstop in Charlotte’s lap.

Anthony, on the other hand, looked especially distant. He noticed Charlotte’s mood and frowned, leaning in to buckle her seatbelt for her.