The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 77

Anthony’s heart melted a little. He just couldn’t bring himself to turn her away.

He tugged the blanket up, gently covering them both, then patted her head softly to comfort her.

“It’s alright now.”

Just like that, the tension eased from Charlotte’s face. She relaxed against him, rubbing her cheek on his arm as she mumbled without thinking, “Lottie…”

Anthony let out a quiet, helpless laugh. He watched her small, delicate face and said, “I know, your nickname is Lottie.” He smiled at her, his voice low and gentle. “Why do you always tell me that, every time you’re like this?”

Charlotte stared up at him in silence, her breath warm against his chest. Her eyes looked so sad, like she was carrying the weight of the world.

Anthony felt something fill his heart, a heavy, aching kind of warmth that made it hard to breathe.

“I won’t bother you anymore. Try to sleep.”

With his soothing words, Charlotte’s eyes drifted shut. Soon her breathing evened out, soft and steady, and she slipped into sleep.

When Anthony was sure she was deeply asleep, he wrapped the blanket around her, picked her up carefully, and carried her to her room.

Just like last time, the main door was blocked from the inside.

Anthony frowned. If she hadn’t come out the main door, and she didn’t climb out the balcony again, then…how?

He didn’t hesitate. Carrying her, he walked to where he guessed another door might be.

Sure enough, there was a hidden door, already open and barely noticeable.

Anthony paused, a little stunned.

She’d found the secret security door, cracked his lock like it was nothing, and earlier that evening she’d even saved a child with those amazing medical skills.

He laid her gently on the bed and watched her peaceful face. The corners of his lips curved up as he whispered, voice rough, “Turns out my Lottie is full of secrets.”

…

His voice came from behind her, deep and lazy, filling the quiet morning with a comfortable warmth.

Charlotte turned fast and found him there, looking sharp in a suit, tying his tie with easy confidence.

He caught her staring, raised an eyebrow, and smiled. “Sit down. Have some breakfast.”

“Okay.”

She sat across from him, picking up a piece of toast. She looked at him again, ready to say something, but stopped. Her brow furrowed as she hesitated.

“What is it? Something you want to ask?” Anthony took a sip of his coffee, lips curving into a small smile.

Seeing how calm he was, Charlotte figured she probably hadn’t done anything embarrassing last night. Her face relaxed. “Nothing.”

Anthony watched her, amusement flickering in his eyes. She really didn’t remember a thing from last night.