The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 532

“Sorry.”

Anthony gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Charlotte’s ear, his touch soft, his voice warm and a little teasing. “Just some couple stuff. Single people don’t get it.”

Kenneth rolled his eyes. “Can you try acting normal for once?”

He shot Anthony a glare, then carefully set his backpack on the back seat. When he looked at Charlotte, his eyes were unexpectedly gentle. “Lottie, just relax for the exams. Don’t stress yourself out. If things don’t go well, it’s fine. I’ll take care of you.”

National exams always made people anxious. With everything else happening lately, he knew it had to be weighing on her.

“Huh?” Charlotte turned, a touch of confusion flickering across her delicate, pale face. Why wouldn’t she do well?

“If anyone’s going to take care of her, it won’t be you,” Anthony said quietly. He leaned in, rubbing Charlotte’s tired temples, his voice even lower. “Besides, there’s no way Lottie won’t do well.”

Kenneth snorted. “She’s not yours, you know.”

Anthony just smiled, lacing his fingers with Charlotte’s. “That’s only a matter of time, isn’t it?”

Charlotte blinked, staying quiet. Kenneth hesitated, his eyes darting between the two of them before he gave up and stalked off.

Imperial Heights.

After her shower, Charlotte slipped into a loose robe, her damp hair falling over her shoulders. She made her way straight to Anthony and settled into his arms, like it was her favorite place in the world.

Anthony had already grabbed the hairdryer. Seeing Charlotte snuggle up to him like a clingy kitten, he couldn’t help but smile.

He handed her a glass of milk with a straw, then switched on the dryer, gently running his fingers through her hair as he dried it.

Charlotte balanced her milk in one hand and her phone in the other, chatting away in the family group chat.

Stella: Okay!

Charlotte relaxed, a little smile playing on her lips. She hoped Stella would always be this carefree and happy.

“You’re not staying here during the exams?” Anthony’s deep voice broke the quiet. Charlotte realized her hair was dry and that he’d probably been watching her for a while.

“Yeah,” she answered simply. She figured he’d seen her messages and didn’t bother to explain.

Anthony already knew a bit about Stella. He knew she and Lottie had been through everything together. He understood just how much she meant to her.

“Alright.” Anthony didn’t push. He slid his fingers gently through her hair. “If you need anything, just tell me. I’ll take care of it.”

“Okay,” Charlotte said softly. She looked up and caught his eyes, and in the warm light, his handsome face made her heart skip.