The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 539

Stella was younger than Lottie.

Roger paused, eyes lingering for a couple of seconds before turning away. One troublemaker in this family was enough.

Just past midnight, everyone poured out of the bar, laughing and chattering. Hans had cars lined up, doors open and waiting by the curb.

After making sure Andrew, Parrish, and Shirley were settled, Anthony’s gaze landed on Stella. His eyes darkened a little, like he was about to say something.

But Stella got there first. “I didn’t drink, so you don’t need to fuss over me. Charlotte, you and Anthony can go ahead, I’m good.” Charlotte had already arranged a place for her and sent someone to check in on her. Stella was perfectly capable of handling herself.

“Alright,” Charlotte said, giving her cheek a playful pinch. “Text me when you get home, okay?”

“I will,” Stella said with a grin, then hopped into the car. She looked way happier than when she’d arrived. Charlotte made a mental note to bring her out more often.

“I’ve got something to finish up at the lab,” Roger said, glancing away from the car as it pulled off. His voice was low and a little rough. “Anthony, make sure Charlotte gets home safe.”

Once Roger left, it was just Anthony, Charlotte, and a slightly tipsy Kenneth and Emily.

“Lottie, I’m so happy right now…” Kenneth stumbled over to Charlotte, arms wide open for a hug. Before he could reach her, Anthony stepped in and blocked him, then steered Kenneth toward the car with a look of pure annoyance.

He turned to Emily. “What about you?”

“I’m fine. Totally fine, not drunk,” Emily insisted, cheeks flushed and purse clutched tightly. She slid into the car, dropping down next to Kenneth.

Anthony had only had a couple of drinks, so he wasn’t drunk. But he smelled like a mix of alcohol and mint, a combination that made her head spin in a different way.

Hans caught a glimpse of them in the rearview mirror and pressed his lips together, fighting not to lose control of the wheel.

“We’re finally done with exams,” Anthony said, lowering his head. His fingers traced lightly along her cheek, his voice soft and full of laughter. “You can relax now. Are you happy?”

Charlotte caught his hand, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “You seem way happier than I am,” she replied, giving him a look that said she knew exactly what he was thinking.

“Oh yeah?” Anthony’s mouth quirked into a grin, his breath warm and tinged with the scent of whiskey as he leaned in. “And how can you tell?” His voice was a husky whisper.

Charlotte just smiled, letting the silence stretch between them.