The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 49

“And you really think someone would fall for you?” Patricia shot back, completely clueless about how much of a catch Anthony was back in Cabinda.

The light turned red, and the car slowed to a stop. Anthony reached into the glove box, pulled out a carton of milk, popped a straw in, and handed it to Charlotte.

Charlotte was busy scrolling through her phone, but she turned her head without thinking. Her eyes met his, dark and intense, and her lashes gave the tiniest flutter. She blanked for a second, then took the milk and started sipping.

“Grandma, you really don’t need to worry about this.”

Anthony rested his hand on the back of Charlotte’s seat, watching her with a soft, teasing smile that wouldn’t leave his lips.

“How can I not worry?” Patricia’s voice turned sharper. She paused, then suddenly seemed to remember something. Her tone dropped to a whisper. “Anthony, is it true? The rumors… do you actually like men?”

Charlotte choked on her milk, coughing hard enough for her throat to sting.

“Don’t move.” Anthony frowned and grabbed a tissue, dabbing at the milk that had spilled on her shirt.

“Grandma, I’ve got something going on here. I’ll call you back.” He hung up right away.

Back at home, Patricia stared at her phone, then looked over her shoulder at the housekeeper. “Did I just hear a girl’s voice?”

The housekeeper’s cheeks turned pink. “Yes, I did too. She even made a cute little noise and Mr. Anthony told her not to move.”

“See, Patricia? Now you can relax. Anthony is perfectly healthy,” the housekeeper teased.

Patricia clapped a hand over her mouth, trying to hide a smile. The relief and excitement were too much.

“He has a girlfriend and didn’t tell me? Or maybe that girl…” Patricia’s face turned cold. She was not about to accept some random girl with a shady background.

Anthony noticed her staring and shot her a knowing look, his smile curving just a bit. “What’s got you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing,” Charlotte replied, turning quickly to look out the window, her eyes sparkling with something she wouldn’t name.

“Oh?” Anthony’s voice was low and playful, eyes full of quiet laughter. He really was the kind of trouble you couldn’t say no to.

A few minutes later, Anthony pulled the car over on a street just five minutes from the school.

He got out, circled to her side, opened her door, and handed her a cute bag. Charlotte recognized it right away. It was dessert from The Oak & Vine—her absolute favorite mango flavor.

“If you get hungry this afternoon, you can have this.”

Charlotte looked up at him, her face unreadable. After a heartbeat, she reached out and took the bag. Their fingers brushed. The touch sent a warm spark racing up her arm, leaving her cheeks tingling and hot.