The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 99

A bite mark?

Patricia’s eyes sparkled. She pushed herself up, a little unsteady, then leaned in close with a grin, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Did a girl leave that?”

Anthony lounged in his seat, tapping his fingers on his phone, not really paying attention. “No, I just hit something.”

“Don’t lie to me!” Patricia shot him a look, barely able to hide her excitement. “You think I can’t tell what that is?”

Anthony thought of how Charlotte had clung to him, refusing to let go. His lips turned up just a bit, and for a moment, his usually cold face looked almost gentle.

“So, if you have a girlfriend, why haven’t you brought her home for me to meet?” Patricia pressed.

Girlfriend?

Andrew, who had been quietly listening, suddenly looked up, his eyes wide. Anthony... had a girlfriend? With how frosty and distant he always was, Andrew was half convinced Anthony would be single forever. Now he was feeling a little excited, and honestly, curious. What kind of girl could possibly win over Anthony?

“Is it that you won’t bring her, or that she won’t come?” Patricia asked.

Anthony raised an eyebrow and leaned back, the sharp edge to his voice softening. “Grandma, please stop worrying.”

Patricia’s smile vanished in an instant. “Oh no, so she really doesn’t want to come? How are you even courting her? Did you send her flowers? Take her out to dinner? At least watched a romance movie together?” Patricia’s questions came faster and faster, her voice getting more anxious. “You brat, do you keep that poker face when you’re with her? Did you make her mad?”

“No.” Anthony rubbed his forehead, letting out a quiet, helpless laugh. “Alright, Grandma, you just got better. Please rest. I have to go.”

“Wait…” Patricia called out as he started to leave. “At least show me a photo, will you?”

But he was already gone before she could finish.

Patricia muttered in annoyance. “That little brat, hiding her like she’s a secret treasure.”

Patricia set her cup down with a thud. “Anthony doesn’t like her. That’s all there is to it. So she’s not good enough. And you stay out of his business.”

Dorothy felt as if someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over her. She clammed up, not daring to say another word.

…

In the car, Anthony was slouched in the back seat, his long fingers gripping his phone. There was a hint of worry in his usually sharp eyes.

“Is Charlotte home yet?” he asked.

“Miss Charlotte hasn’t returned yet,” Helen answered respectfully.

Anthony pressed his lips together, said nothing, and hung up. Immediately, he called Charlotte’s number.