The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1087

When Franco finished speaking, Nora slipped her arms gently around his neck. Her voice, soft and a little raspy, brushed against his ear. “Franco, keep Charlotte safe.”

“I will.” Franco hugged her tight, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles over her back. His voice was warm and steady. “Our daughter’s going to be okay.”

They didn’t need to say more. Somehow, they always just knew what the other was thinking.

There was only one antidote. If they managed to get it, Nora would give it to Lottie without a second thought. For Charlotte, nothing else mattered. Not even their own lives.

...

Cabinda. Imperial Heights.

Hans gave his report in a careful, respectful tone. “Franco’s found out everything. Right now, they’re both on a flight to Cabinda.”

“To Cabinda?” Charlotte was sitting on the couch, legs crossed, leaning lazily against Anthony. She scrolled through research data on her iPad, eyes glued to the screen. At Hans’s words, she glanced up, the light catching in her eyes.

“Yes.” Hans nodded, hesitating for a second before quoting Franco directly. “He said Nora isn’t listening to him. He can’t bring himself to scold her or anything, so he’s sending her to you for a while, to let you handle her.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. Seriously? Who’s supposed to be the mom here?

Anthony twirled a strand of her long hair around his finger, his dark eyes filled with quiet amusement. “If Franco’s sending Nora to you, I’m guessing he’s planning to head back to the Isle of Veil. What do you think?”

“Hm?” Charlotte shifted closer, snuggling into Anthony’s arms before grabbing her phone and opening the Family Group Chat.

Jackson: Charlotte, Allanson has way too many eyes in Solenia. It’s getting harder to keep your and Franco’s identities under wraps.

Charlotte had been stopping by the presidential palace a lot lately. She read Jackson’s message, her gaze turning icy. A tiny smirk played on her lips as she typed back: So what? Even my own dad can’t control me. What makes Allanson think he can?

By eight that night, the cars sent to pick up Franco and Nora were finally back at Imperial Heights.

“What’s wrong?” Franco climbed out first, then leaned down to look inside. Nora was still in her seat, not moving, her face pale and tense. “Are you feeling sick?” he asked gently.

“No.” Nora shook her head. She glanced toward the bright lights of the main hall and spotted Charlotte coming toward them, arms folded, chin raised, her face unreadable.

“I don’t have the guts.” Nora let out a sigh, nerves knotting in her stomach. “Lottie’s totally going to yell at me.”

“Getting nervous now, huh?” Franco reached over to smooth her hair, then pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “Don’t worry. If she yells at you, I’ll yell right back at her.”

At that, Nora instantly perked up, punching him lightly in the chest. “Don’t you dare yell at my Lottie!”