The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1084

Anthony looked up, startled.

“I just think…”

Charlotte moved closer, draping herself over his shoulder. She lowered her voice, laughing softly. “He’s not even in your league. Anthony, I don’t care about him at all. If he tries to compete with you, just put him in his place. I’ll be right there with you.”

Her gentle words were like a rush of warmth straight to Anthony’s heart.

His shoulders relaxed. He kissed her softly and whispered, “Lottie, you’re mine.”

Once the antidote situation was finally over, he’d make sure she was his, officially, for everyone to see.

***

On a small, secluded island, Nora tried to reach Aloys again and again, but every time she powered up her device, the signal was immediately lost.

There were less than twelve hours left until their meeting.

She already knew who was behind this, and it left her feeling helpless. She’d really underestimated Charlotte. She knew her daughter was a genius when it came to medicine, but she hadn’t realized she was just as talented with computers. In this battle, Nora had to admit defeat.

Time was slipping away. If she couldn’t get in touch with Aloys, she’d just have to go find him at Isle of Veil herself. At least Lottie didn’t know exactly where she was.

No matter what, she was determined to get the antidote for Charlotte, even if it was the last thing she did.

Meanwhile, out in the hallway, Franco was on the phone, his face dark with worry.

“I get it,” he said quietly.

He hung up, pushed open the door, and caught Nora in the act of closing her laptop in a hurry. It was the third time since they’d arrived that he’d seen her so guarded.

“Franco…” As he started to leave, Nora caught his arm, gazing up at him with so much love in her eyes.

“What is it?”

She shook her head, holding back her tears and trying to smile. “You’re a good man. If there’s a next life, I want to be with you again.”

Franco’s hands clenched where she couldn’t see. He gave her a gentle smile. “You can have all my next lives, too. Don’t overthink things. Just wait for me.”

He walked out and headed down the hall toward the kitchen.

As soon as he was out of sight, Nora threw off the blanket, lingering for a moment as she looked toward the door. Swallowing her sadness, she turned and walked over.

But as she opened the door, she froze, shocked by what she saw on the other side.