The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1038

“Nora…” Robert’s voice trembled as he hesitated, then suddenly pulled Nora into a tight hug, holding her like he’d never let go. “When I heard you were gone, I thought my heart would never heal. Why didn’t you let us know you were alive? I’ve spent all these years blaming myself for not protecting you better…”

“I’m sorry, Dad…” Nora could barely get the words out. There were a million things she wanted to say, but nothing came except an apology.

She knew, deep down, her father’s love for her hadn’t faded for a second, not then and not now. That love was exactly why he’d been so shattered by the news of her “death.” Looking at the white hair that now covered his head, Nora felt her chest ache. If she couldn’t find a cure, he’d have to lose his daughter all over again… The thought was unbearable.

“Nora… Nora…” Robert kept repeating her name. The man who commanded boardrooms and board members alike was now crying, shoulders shaking like a child who’d lost his favorite toy.

“Dad, please, calm down…” Nora tried to steady her own nerves, gently pressing on his acupressure points to help him breathe easier.

“You’re home. That’s all that matters. You’re home.” Robert’s relief was so raw that Kevin and the three boys came rushing over to help steady him.

Nora spotted Kevin, who had always cared for her as if she were his own, and managed a shaky smile. “Kevin.”

Kevin’s eyes were misty. He didn’t even have time to get emotional before Charlotte cut in, “Where’s Samantha?”

Sometimes Kevin really wondered if Samantha had married him just to stay close to Nora.

“She’s inside,” Kevin said, rolling his eyes a little. “Her legs went weak, she couldn’t walk.”

Nora had to laugh, even through her tears.

From the side, Charlotte watched it all unfold, her hand curling into a tight fist. Her usually clear eyes shimmered with the threat of tears. If Grandpa found out about Nora’s illness, she couldn’t imagine how he’d take it.

She pressed her lips together, fighting the heavy, sour feeling in her chest. It was hard to even breathe.

Franco glanced at Anthony, looking for confirmation. “Is that true?”

Anthony nodded, completely serious. “I had to get on my knees and transfer everything I owned to Lottie to prove I meant it. After that, Grandpa gave us his blessing.”

Kneeling… Transferring everything… Franco thought about it. That was nothing.

He and Nora had been together for years. They even had a daughter. No way would Robert split them up now. Besides, their relationship had always been above board. The only thing that got in the way was fate.

Thinking that, Franco felt his confidence return and stepped out of the car. He was ready to hand over every penny to Nora and Lottie if it helped.

As for kneeling… he’d do it as long as it took.