The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 453

“Anth?”

The word hung in the air. Charlotte’s eyes darkened, and she slipped her hand out of Anthony’s, tucking it into her pocket. It was like a cloud had suddenly settled over her.

Melissa caught the reaction and couldn’t hide her smug grin. She looked straight at Charlotte, her voice full of challenge. “Not just anyone can get their hands on Sunset, you know. There are so many fakes floating around. I was just worried she might get scammed.”

She was basically accusing Charlotte of gifting a forgery, just without saying it outright.

Fake? Scammed?

Anthony’s gaze sharpened, a chill settling over his features. If he hadn’t known the truth—that Charlotte was Halation—he might have worried for a second. But he did know, and it made all the difference.

He slid his arm around Charlotte’s waist, turning just enough to look at her. His voice was calm but carried an edge. “Let me set the record straight. She’s not my friend.”

Not his friend?

Melissa’s fingers curled at her side. Maybe, just maybe, she still had a chance.

“She’s my fiancée.”

Fiancée. That word hit harder than anything else could have.

Melissa went pale. He was really going to marry this ordinary, small-town nobody? What about their families’ arrangement? Everyone in their circle had been sure it would be her and Anthony getting engaged.

She turned to Charlotte, her tone softening as she gestured for her to come over. “Lottie, come here, dear.”

Melissa’s face darkened. She watched as Charlotte started toward Patricia, then called out with a cold little smile, “You must’ve bought a fake by accident. Lucky for you, Patricia isn’t upset. Be more careful next time.”

Charlotte just glanced at her, not even bothering to reply.

Melissa tried again, a little louder, “But even if we ignore the fake, what’s with your outfit? Isn’t it kind of disrespectful to dress like that in front of Patricia?”

Charlotte stopped, lifted her chin, and met Melissa’s gaze with a cool, flawless look. Her lips curled in a slight, dangerous smile. “My fiancé told me to wear this.”

Melissa had nothing left to say.