The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 502

Expelled?

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her expression calm. She had seen this coming, though it happened sooner than she expected.

She answered the call with a soft “mm,” hung up, then turned around. Melissa was slumped on the floor behind her, looking ghostly pale.

Charlotte’s lips curled into a mocking smile.

Melissa only let out a shaky breath after Charlotte walked away. Her hands clenched tight, eyes burning red, her whole face twisted with resentment. She wanted Charlotte to kneel and apologize? That would only happen if Charlotte managed to survive until noon tomorrow.

…

In the car, Anthony ended his call and looked up. He spotted Charlotte walking toward him, sunlight catching her figure just right. Even bundled up, she had this cool, graceful air that made it hard to look away.

“Charlotte settled things with Melissa already?” Hans sounded surprised.

Anthony narrowed his eyes a little, pushed open the car door, and went to meet her. He took her hand as soon as she was close, brushing his chin against her hair, his voice gentle. “All done?”

“We’ll see by noon tomorrow,” Charlotte murmured, leaning into his arms. “Did you have something to do with Olivia getting expelled?”

“I did.” Anthony didn’t hesitate. He ruffled her hair, his voice low and warm. “I got involved. Are you mad?”

Charlotte looked up at him, meeting his gaze.

“No,” she replied with a soft smile, giving his fingers a gentle squeeze. Her tone was light, teasing. “Anthony, I never thought you’d…”

“Hmm?”

She grinned. “You’re amazing.”

“Eleanor, the Dean’s here with Olivia and her parents.”

“Oh, okay.” Eleanor nodded, then glanced at Anthony, still looking baffled.

“Don’t mind me. Deal with it however you need to,” Anthony said, settling into a chair in the corner. But his eyes never left Charlotte, soft and protective.

If she couldn’t see what was happening between those two by now, she’d have to question her own instincts. Eleanor forced down her surprise and looked to the door.

Steven and Elizabeth walked in with Olivia, who was in tears. Eleanor’s frown deepened. She never would have guessed that the quiet, obedient Olivia could be so ruthless. Every comment online had dragged Charlotte’s name through the mud, pushing her to the edge.

Olivia had already been written up for cheating at the last piano competition. Clearly, she hadn’t learned. Now she’d started an online storm and ruined Vanguard High’s reputation. Kicking her out was more than fair.

Still, with only a month left before college entrance exams, if she could get Charlotte’s forgiveness, maybe the school would show her some mercy.