The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 552

Their eyes locked. One looked pale and cold, the other almost reckless, daring the world to stop her.

The air felt heavy, every breath awkward and forced. No one said a word.

Anthony’s jaw was tight as he held Charlotte’s wrists pinned high above her head. In his other hand, he gripped a gun, the barrel pressed right against her forehead.

It would only take a twitch of his finger, and her life would be over.

The silence stretched, growing heavier, until finally Charlotte’s voice cut through it.

“Anthony, are you trying to break my hands?” she asked.

She was pressed into the sofa, a sharp sting running through her elbows and thighs. Her brows pulled together, but her lips curved in a cool, teasing smile. “Or are you thinking about putting a bullet in my head?”

Hearing her, Anthony snapped out of whatever dark place he’d gone. He let go of her wrists, but before he could say anything, she twisted out from under him, snatching the gun from his hand.

In a blink, Charlotte flipped their positions. Now she was on top, holding him down.

Anthony wasn’t sure what game she was playing, but he didn’t fight back. He just let himself fall back into the sofa, almost like he was daring her to see what she’d do next.

Charlotte pressed her left hand on his shoulder and spun the gun once in her right, the movement smooth and confident. She pointed it straight at his heart.

“Don’t move, Anthony. This thing doesn’t care where it hits.”

Charlotte’s smile was half-amused, half-serious, and Anthony’s eyes darkened as he watched her. He was completely open now, sprawled on the couch, waiting for her move. His voice dropped low. “Are you going to kill me?”

A few years back, the N Organization and the X Organization had fought a brutal battle for control over Apex. In the end, the N Organization lost, barely escaping with a handful of people.

Back then, he never would have guessed that the infamous N was actually Lottie.

Anthony answered quickly, almost desperate. “I’ll release your people right away. For the ships and cargo I damaged, I’ll pay you back… triple what they’re worth.”

Charlotte gave a slow, drawn-out “Oh,” her tone playful. “And what about my territory and labs? Still want to trade for those?”

Anthony’s face tightened, and he shook his head. “No.”

He couldn’t ask for that. Not now, not after everything.

He was all talk before, but now he was almost meek.

Charlotte’s lips curved in a small smile, hard to read. “You’re so agreeable all of a sudden, Anthony.”

He frowned, reaching for her hand. That’s when he noticed the harsh red mark circling her wrist, left from their struggle. He must have done that without even realizing.