The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 851

7:00 AM.

The private jet touched down at Cabinda International Airport, the morning light barely stretching across the tarmac. As the plane taxied, Anthony glanced down at Charlotte curled against his chest. Her pale, pretty face pressed softly against him, eyes closed, thick lashes brushing her skin. Faint shadows rested under her eyes.

The flight from Solenia to Cabinda had taken twelve hours. Charlotte barely slept, tossing and turning, her gaze fixed on the ceiling for most of the night. Only when the wheels started to lower did she finally drift off, snuggled in his arms.

“Anthony, the plane’s stopped.”

The cabin door opened and Hans appeared, mouthing the words with a nod.

Anthony returned the gesture, about to scoop Lottie up, but the moment he moved, she stirred awake. She was never a heavy sleeper. Her eyes opened, crystal clear.

“We’re here?”

“We are.” Anthony pulled a thin blanket over her shoulders, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. He tried to comfort her, but he knew her mind was somewhere else. Charlotte had been upset ever since she lost her bracelet, quiet and withdrawn for the entire flight.

After a moment, she nuzzled against him, then stood up and grabbed his hand, tugging him toward the door. “Let’s go to the lab.”

“Now?” Anthony’s voice dropped, the concern obvious on his face. “You should rest first.”

She’d been awake for over twelve hours, and all she could think about was going straight to the research institute. If she went in now, he knew it could be hours before she came out.

“I can’t. Not until I figure out what’s in that sample.” Charlotte looked up at him, her voice steady and stubborn.

“Lottie…” Anthony frowned, but she stopped walking and pulled her hand away, shoving it into her pocket. She stared off into the distance, lips pursed in a silent pout.

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