The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 558

Hans slid into the driver’s seat, yanked the seatbelt across his chest, and gripped the wheel so tight his knuckles went pale. He kept glancing at the rearview mirror like he wanted to say something, but the words just wouldn’t come.

“Is there something you need to say?” Anthony asked, frowning when he realized Hans hadn’t started the car.

Hans pressed his lips together, clearly disappointed. “It’s nothing.” After a beat, he tried again, voice quieter but loaded with meaning. “Anthony, I still can’t reach Charlotte. I don’t know what’s going on with her.” He really leaned into her name, hoping it would get a reaction.

Anthony didn’t answer right away. Charlotte just raised an eyebrow, kind of amused. Was Hans misunderstanding the whole situation? She hadn’t expected him to care this much, honestly. It was almost... sweet.

“Lottie’s fine,” Anthony replied, his tone calm but final.

Hans didn’t back down. “How can she be fine? She’s your fiancée. There are so many people jealous of her, watching her every move.” He practically underlined the word “fiancée,” looking nervous but determined. “She could be in real danger.”

Anthony just looked at him.

“Anthony, maybe you should try calling her?” Hans didn’t wait for an answer. He whipped out his phone, found Charlotte’s contact, and held the screen out. He even waved it in front of N, just to make a point.

Charlotte was trying not to laugh by now. Hans was so earnest. Maybe she’d go easy on him in the future.

“Charlotte really is fine,” she said, her voice clear and unmistakably her own.

Hans’s eyes went wide. He stared at N, confused. “That voice... it sounds just like...” He trailed off, staring harder. “Charlotte?!”

Anthony glanced at Charlotte, his lips twitching into a rare smile. “He really is,” he said, voice low and rough.

At the hotel, Anthony took Charlotte’s hand as they stepped out of the car and into the elevator. Their suite was on the top floor, with a view that stretched over all of Frostford.

From the second they left the car, Charlotte stayed close to Anthony’s side, lips pressed together, cheeks tinged pink. She seemed a little off, almost shy.

“Why’s your face so red?” Anthony asked, reaching out to check her forehead. His frown deepened, eyes full of concern. “Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine.” Charlotte leaned back against the elevator wall, tapping the floor with the toe of her shoe. Her thoughts wandered back to that time she accidentally caught a glimpse of him shirtless. He’d been working out more lately. His body looked even better than before. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d get another chance for a closer look.