The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1068

No wonder the carnelian changed color so suddenly, or why the clasp started to corrode. It all made sense now. The “primer” had affected everything.

If she could just find the bracelet, maybe there was still hope for the antidote. And now she was sure—the primer wasn’t solid. It was a liquid, and not just any liquid, but something highly corrosive.

A liquid primer, the antidote in the Hawk family’s hands, the missing bracelet… This trip had actually gone better than she expected.

Charlotte felt a flicker of hope. She folded up her sketch paper with care and tucked it into her pocket. As she reached for a book to put it back on the shelf, her wrist went limp for no reason. The book slipped from her hand and hit the floor with a loud thud.

Then her legs gave out, so suddenly that she nearly collapsed. Charlotte’s eyes narrowed with determination as she grabbed the bookshelf just in time to steady herself.

Once she was sure she wouldn’t fall, she glanced at the book on the floor, then at her legs, which were trembling just a little. A chill ran down her back.

Her genetic mutation was getting worse so fast. If she was struggling like this, her mom must be having an even harder time.

She couldn’t wait any longer. She needed that antidote, and she needed it now.

***

Meanwhile, in Solenia.

Nora had hidden her online accounts for days, making sure no one from Isle of Veil could track her down. When she finally logged in, her inbox exploded with messages.

One message stood out right away. Aloys had agreed to her terms—he was willing to trade her for the antidote.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Nora actually smiled. If everything went well, Lottie would be okay.

She typed quickly. [Like I said, I have to see the antidote first. I need proof it’s real.]

The response came almost instantly. [And how do we know you won’t back out as soon as you get it?]

“For what?” Franco frowned. He’d noticed she seemed different lately, always staring at her computer, always closing it when he came in, as if she was hiding something.

“Thank you for loving me. And…” Nora sniffed, sounding serious, “for giving me such a beautiful, amazing daughter.”

Franco smiled, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You don’t need to thank me. I was more than happy to do my part.”

And Nora believed him. With Lottie there, she knew he would be happy, no matter what.

Once she finished her soup, Nora sent Franco out of the room. She picked up her phone and called Samantha. “Samantha, I’m having Lottie’s wedding gifts shipped to Cabinda over the next few days.”

Samantha nearly burst into tears. “You don’t have to rush like this, you know?”

Was she really that worried Charlotte would end up a spinster?