The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 50

Charlotte’s heart did a double skip, a rush of excitement spreading from her chest to every corner of her body. She wasn’t resisting the feeling. If anything, she wanted to reach out and touch him again.

“I’m heading inside now.”

She grabbed her dessert, tilting her head down just enough to hide the bit of blush blooming behind her ears.

She hadn’t gone far when Anthony called out to her.

“Lottie.”

Charlotte turned, meeting his gaze. He stood there, casual and relaxed, his dark eyes locking onto hers. For a few seconds, neither of them said anything. Then Anthony spoke, his voice deep and rough, but soft in a way that made her heart thump even harder.

“I’m actually pretty normal, you know.”

Charlotte pressed her lips together, her big eyes shining clear as glass. The sunlight caught her face, making her look almost ethereal. She looked so sweet and well-behaved, the kind of girl you’d want to keep safe and close.

If he wasn’t worried about scaring her away…

Anthony couldn’t help but smile, a little helpless and a lot fond. “Go on, get to class, kid.”

A tiny smile flickered on Charlotte’s lips. She turned and walked back toward the school.

Once she was around the corner, she pulled out her phone and called Coulomb.

“For Anthony’s lunch today, give him a twenty percent discount.”

…

Meanwhile, Andrew and Parrish had just left the cafeteria. As they walked out, they spotted a flashy sports car parked nearby.

Parrish rubbed his eyes, then nudged Andrew. “Isn’t that your cousin’s car?”

Andrew and Anthony were cousins. Andrew looked over, recognizing it right away. He hadn’t gotten into any trouble lately, so what was Anthony doing here?

He rested his wrist on the open window, a smile tugging at his lips. “Guess I’m getting old. My memory’s not great these days. I forgot to give it to you. Next time, okay? I’ll bring it with me then.”

“Next time?” Charlotte pursed her lips, her lashes fluttering. “You better take something for your memory before you come.”

Anthony let out a low laugh, full of affection. “Alright. Whatever you say.”

Charlotte hung up, trying to slow her racing heartbeat. She glanced down at the cake in her arms, suddenly feeling a lot lighter.

…

From the school gate to her classroom, Charlotte could feel everyone staring. The whole “illegitimate daughter” rumor had already made its way around.

A small, cold smile played on her lips. She wasn’t going to waste time on that nonsense right now. She walked on, unfazed.

Back in the classroom, she hooked a chair with her foot, sat down, and reached into her bag. Her hand brushed against something long, cold, slippery… and moving.