The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1085

“Nora!”

A group of men in black suits stood at the door, faces she recognized instantly. As soon as she stepped out, they all bowed their heads and greeted her with practiced respect.

They were from the presidential security team.

Nora hadn’t brought anyone with her this time. She hadn’t told anyone where she was going. For Franco’s people to show up here, there was really only one explanation.

“Did Charlotte send you?” Nora’s lips pressed together, her voice hoarse as she glanced up. Her eyes turned cold, almost frosty.

“Yes,” the lead guard replied, honest and direct. “Charlotte said your health isn’t good. You’ve been out for days. It’s time to come home and rest.”

Of course it was Lottie.

“Fine. I get it.” Nora frowned, but she didn’t move. She looked over the guards and her voice came out soft and flat. “You can all go back now.”

Silence. The guards looked at each other.

“You’re ignoring my orders now?” Nora’s face lost what little color it had left. She could feel time slipping away. Franco would be back from the kitchen any second. She lowered her voice, desperate. “Leave, right now.”

“Charlotte told us to bring both you and Franco home. Personally.”

Usually, Nora’s word would outrank Franco’s. But now that Charlotte was involved, things had changed. Charlotte was in charge.

“Charlotte also said, if you refused… we should…” The guard hesitated, stealing a glance at Nora, then forced himself to finish. “Tie you up and bring you back. She said she’d handle the consequences.”

Nora stared at them, stunned. Her whole body went cold. She tried one last time, her voice shaky. “Can I at least go out for some air? Just a few minutes?”

“Yes.” The guard stepped aside, completely serious. “Nora, our people are everywhere in this town. If you need anything, just let us know.”

She got the message loud and clear. She wasn’t going anywhere.

“Franco…”

“We’ll talk inside,” he said, cutting her off softly, leading her back into the house.

“Get the plane ready. We’re heading to Solenia this evening.” Franco’s voice was cold as he sat Nora down on the couch. He turned to the guards. “Give me your phone.”

Nora sat there, frozen, feeling like a kid caught sneaking out, completely helpless.

The guard placed the phone on the table and hurried out with the others, leaving the room suddenly quiet.

Franco picked up the phone but didn’t call Charlotte. Instead, he set it aside, grabbed the bowl of soup, and knelt in front of Nora with a gentle smile. “Try this. It’s really good.”

“Franco…” Nora’s eyes were red and shiny. She wasn’t hungry at all. “Don’t you have something you want to ask me?”

“I do.” Franco blew on the soup, then held the spoon up to her. His gaze was soft, full of patience and care. “But let’s eat first, okay? Open up.”