The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 354

Eleanor scrolled through her contacts and tapped on Steven’s number. Charlotte stood in front of her, legs bent a little, hands behind her back, looking every bit the model student.

The phone rang a few times before a rough male voice answered. “Hello, this is Steven.”

Eleanor had met Steven before. His voice wasn’t like this. She double-checked the number just to be sure, then forced a smile and explained Charlotte’s situation.

“It’s just a small issue, nothing serious. She’ll be fine after a week of rest…”

“I understand,” Eleanor said, stealing an awkward, sympathetic glance at Charlotte. “I’ll sign her leave form. If anything comes up, Steven, you can reach out to me.”

“It’s fine.”

The call ended abruptly.

Eleanor’s brows knitted together. Steven sounded so strange today. Was he always this dismissive, or did he just not care about Charlotte?

“If you’re not feeling well, take the time you need. Come back to school when you’ve recovered.” Eleanor signed the leave slip, opened a drawer, and pulled out a thick wad of cash. “I know things aren’t easy at home. Keep this, just in case.”

Charlotte didn’t reach for the money, just glanced at it. Looked like twenty or thirty thousand. Was Eleanor really handing over half her bonus?

“Thanks, Eleanor, but I’m fine.” Charlotte took the leave slip, slid it into her bag, and offered a polite smile. “You should keep it and buy yourself a nice dress or something.”

She slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked out of the office.

Eleanor sat back in her chair, chilled by the memory of Steven’s attitude. He had such a bright, lovely daughter and still treated her like this. Yet he cared so much about other people’s kids. Honestly, Steven was the one who needed a reality check.

It was almost noon before Charlotte finally left the school. She’d waited for Anthony’s message saying his flight had taken off, then handed in her leave slip and walked out the gates.

She had barely stopped when her phone rang.

Adonis’s heart skipped a beat. It felt like he’d just seen his life flash before his eyes.

“Charlotte,” Jackson greeted her respectfully.

“Drive.”

Charlotte tossed her backpack onto the seat, pulled off her cap and mask, and didn’t bother hiding the frost in her tone.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Adonis shut up and started the car right away.

They had only driven a little ways when Jackson, in the passenger seat, glanced back. “Charlotte, I think someone’s following us.”