The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1080

“What else can I do?”

Newell’s voice was cool, almost detached. “The gene mutation is stuck at a crucial point. We’re missing test subjects. As for the antidote…”

Damaris’s eyes lit up with hope. “Did they find it? The antidote?”

“Do you really think they could?”

Newell set his wine glass down and glanced at his mother, his icy blue eyes unreadable. “You should probably get used to the idea that there might not be one.”

“No way.”

Damaris grabbed his hand, her voice shaky with emotion. “There has to be an antidote. And when the Hawk Family develops it…”

“I hope things go your way.”

Newell gave her a faint, almost mocking smile, then slipped his hand from hers. His expression was cold enough to freeze water. “I have to go.”

“Newell…”

Damaris’s arms fell to her sides. She watched her son’s back as he walked away, her eyes stinging with tears. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

Newell didn’t even slow down. He gave a low, careless laugh. “Not dying yet.”

Damaris stood there, frozen, tears brimming in her eyes.

She would never let anything happen to her son.

She would find that antidote. No matter what.

***

Cabinda.

The plane touched down.

A car was already waiting by the curb. Jackson stepped out and opened the door, voice polite. “Charlotte, your ride’s ready.”

“Thanks.”

Charlotte slid into the back seat, tossing her backpack aside. She looked tired, her eyes shadowed. “Where’s Anthony?”

Maybe she was still waiting for news about Nora. Even being back in Cabinda and so close to seeing Anthony didn’t do anything to lighten her mood.

“He’s at the lab.”

“Let’s go,” Charlotte said quietly, her eyes drifting shut.

Jackson and Adonis exchanged a look, then climbed in without another word.

Charlotte didn’t answer, just picked up her pace.

She reached the lab in no time.

Looking through the glass, she spotted Anthony hunched over a microscope, his white coat rumpled. His hair was a mess, and dark circles shadowed his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept in ages.

She frowned and pulled out her phone.

[Where are you?]

Anthony paused, glanced at his phone, and replied.

[The Blair Group. Miss me?]

Her eyes narrowed. She slipped her phone away and kicked the lab door open.

The sharp sound echoed down the hall. Anthony turned, startled, but before he could react, Charlotte grabbed his collar and slammed him against the wall.

He looked ready to fight, but then he saw her face— the one he’d been missing every single day. The fight drained out of him in an instant.

“So,” Charlotte said, pinning him in place. Her eyes glinted with amusement, but her tone was all business. “Where did you say you were?”

Anthony went still, guilt flickering across his face. His voice came out much quieter than before, every trace of anger gone.