The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 460

“Patricia, I really did everything I could to buy the real Sunset, but I just couldn’t get it. I had to ask someone else to help, and I never thought...”

Melissa bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. “I got scammed.”

The truth was already out in the open, but she still tried to defend herself.

Patricia shook her head, a hint of sarcasm curling at her lips. Melissa had always come around the house because of the Carter family connection. As a kid, she was just a clever, opinionated girl. Who would have thought she’d turn out so differently as an adult?

Right now, Patricia was beyond thankful she’d never listened to Anthony’s grandfather about joining the families. If she had, Anthony’s life would have been ruined.

“Ms. Carter, I already said we’re done talking about this,” Patricia said again. This time, her voice was sharper, colder. “But if you’re determined to let everyone know how you really got the painting, I can call the person who scammed you right now. You can sort it out, right here, in front of everyone.”

Emily immediately jumped in, looping her arm through Patricia’s, chin lifted in defiance. “Grandma, do you need me to make the call?”

Melissa hadn’t expected Patricia to trust Charlotte this much. She also knew any more excuses would only make things worse. After a few seconds, she finally raised her head, forcing a strained smile. “Patricia, I’m sorry for causing trouble. I’ll go now.”

“You can leave. After you apologize.”

No one had noticed when Lavinia walked over to stand behind Charlotte, her hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. Her voice was icy. “Ms. Carter, please apologize to Charlotte.”

“Sincerely,” Charlotte said. Her smile didn’t warm her eyes, and just one look sent a chill through everyone nearby.

“My fiancée already told you how,” Anthony said, stepping up behind Charlotte. His face was cold, and he was clearly out of patience. “If you still can’t do it, I can call your family and let them teach you.”

If her family got involved, the humiliation would only get worse. Melissa understood perfectly.

She looked at Anthony’s detached expression, then back at Charlotte. All the fight had gone out of her as she lowered her head and spoke with as much honesty as she could find. “Charlotte, I’m truly sorry. Please accept my apology.”