The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1086

Nora took a sip, set the spoon aside, and fixed her gaze on Franco. “I didn’t suggest this trip to relax,” she said quietly. “I wanted to find a way to reach the Isle of Veil and get the antidote.”

“The antidote?” Franco put down what he was holding and looked at her, realization dawning in his eyes.

She nodded. Nora’s shoulders sagged, her hands clenched into fists on her knees. Her voice came out rough, almost a whisper. “The reason I haven’t recovered is because of a genetic mutation.”

Genetic mutation. The words hit Franco like a punch. He went pale and stood up so fast his chair scraped the floor. His eyes were wide with shock.

He knew all about genetic mutations. That was why he’d cut ties with the Hawk Family years ago. He hadn’t wanted to be part of Allanson’s research. No one understood how serious that illness was better than he did.

No one had found the cause, let alone a cure. The only antidote was in Allanson’s hands.

“So...” Franco took a shaky breath, forcing himself to stay calm. He bent down, holding Nora’s shoulders gently but firmly. His eyes were red. “You’ve known all along. You knew you had a genetic mutation. You knew there was an antidote on the Isle of Veil. You hid your illness from me so I wouldn’t go back. Didn’t you?”

Nora closed her eyes and nodded.

There was no hiding anymore.

“Then why go back now?” Franco’s voice was raw, and his hands shook. A cold tension filled the room. “Nora, tell me.”

“Because of Lottie.” The words broke her. Sadness washed over her face, and tears slid down her cheeks. “The mutation is hereditary. Lottie inherited it.”

“I can die, but she’s only nineteen, Franco. I can’t let anything happen to her.”

That family was poisonous. Dealing with them was like stepping into a trap and locking the door behind you.

Lottie probably knew, too. She and Nora must have decided to keep it a secret together. No wonder Lottie had sent people to the town once she figured out Nora’s plan.

“It’s my fault,” Franco muttered, struggling to keep his breathing steady. He brushed her cheek gently, fighting down his anger and forcing a calm he didn’t feel. “I should have seen this coming... but I promise, I won’t let anything happen to either of you.”

“Are you really going back to the Isle of Veil?” Nora gripped his hand, her eyes rimmed with red. She looked at him as if she could see right through him. “If we go back, it’ll be chaos. Lottie’s secret might get out.”

“Then we won’t hide.” Franco pulled her into his arms, holding her close. His eyes were dark, his voice steady and strong. “With me and Anthony protecting her, I dare anyone to even try.”