The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1036

“The Gates family already got the heads-up,” Anthony said, keeping his tone calm and steady. “Mom, Dad, we’re on our way now. We’ll be at the Gates Estate in about fifteen minutes.”

“Okay.”

Nora clenched her fingers, staring out the window. Her face was caught somewhere between hope and nerves.

She had no idea how her family would react when they saw her again.

“Don’t worry,” Franco said, reaching over to hold her hand. His voice was gentle and warm. “I’m right here with you.”

He was pretty sure he was about to get yelled at, maybe even punched, but he was ready for it.

...

At the Gates Estate, Kevin, Samantha, and their three sons had just finished watching the entire livestream.

All five of them sat around the computer, stunned. No one spoke, and the tension in the room was thick.

Samantha finally broke the silence. “That’s really Nora in the video, but it just doesn’t feel real.”

She reached over and pinched Kevin’s thigh. Hard. He yelped in pain, and her eyes filled with tears.

“It hurts, so this isn’t a dream,” she whispered.

The three brothers glanced at their dad, sharing a look of sympathy as he grimaced in pain.

Samantha wiped her face and got to her feet, her movements jittery. “Nora’s coming. How are we supposed to tell Dad so he doesn’t totally freak out?”

Kevin was still rubbing his thigh, his brow furrowed. “There’s no way he can handle this. He might actually faint.”

Donald spoke up. “Let’s show Grandpa the video first.”

“Good idea.” Kevin turned back to the computer, but his face fell. “Everything’s been wiped from the internet. The video’s gone.”

Roger pushed up his glasses, looking cool and a little smug. “I’ve got an idea.”

Everyone turned to him, waiting to hear it.

Her hand started shaking. She took a deep breath, pulled herself together, and hurried back inside.

In the main hall, the family crowded at the big window, eyes locked on the driveway outside.

A few moments later, the sound of a car engine shutting off echoed, followed by the soft click of a car door opening.

A familiar figure stepped out, bathed in the glow of the setting sun.

Kevin’s eyes went wide with disbelief. Samantha was already crying.

It was really Nora.

The heavy black iron gate swung open with a loud screech, making Robert sit up in his chair.

He frowned, slowly opening his eyes and looking toward the gate.

In the soft gold light, he saw his daughter—the one he’d thought he’d lost forever—standing there.