The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 681

He was definitely overthinking things. It was totally normal for Anthony to look after the younger ones. That was all it was. Nothing more.

Robert took a slow sip of his wine, trying to drown out the uneasy thoughts swirling in his mind. Still, he couldn’t help glancing over at the two of them every other second.

When he caught sight of what was happening, his eyes twitched and he nearly choked on his drink. Charlotte sat quietly, her pale arms propped on the table, scrolling her phone with an absent look. Whatever she saw must have annoyed her. Her little face scrunched up, ready to complain, but before she could say anything, Anthony leaned in close and whispered something in her ear.

Just like that, the storm clouds disappeared from Charlotte’s face. She smiled, took the orange Anthony had just peeled, and popped a slice into her mouth like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Robert froze, rubbing his eyes as if he could clear the images from his mind. Was he seeing things? Maybe he was just paranoid, imagining problems where there were none.

. . .

Night finally settled in, and the city lights blinked on. Robert stood at the door with his family, sending off the last of the party guests with polite smiles and warm handshakes.

One of his friends spotted Charlotte by Robert’s side, looking sweet and well-mannered as always, and couldn’t resist speaking up. “Robert, my grandson’s coming back next month. Maybe he and Charlotte could meet up?”

Charlotte was beautiful, smart, and carried herself with a quiet confidence. After a whole evening like this, Robert had noticed more than a few hopeful glances thrown her way. If he so much as blinked, someone would try to snatch her up.

He smiled, patting Charlotte’s hand gently. “Who she chooses to spend time with is completely up to her. We don’t want to interfere.”

That left no room for argument.

He would never let Charlotte be used as a bargaining chip in some arranged marriage. The Gates family might have a solid reputation in Cabinda, and sure, marriage was the easiest way to keep their standing secure, but he refused to let Charlotte pay that price.

“Donald, see him out, please.”

Robert didn’t give the man a chance to protest. He just kept smiling.

“Of course, Grandpa.” Donald stepped forward and led the guest away.

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