The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1192

In less than ten seconds, the lounge was empty except for the two of them.

Charlotte stayed sprawled on the sofa, barely moving. She wore something simple, her expression lazy and unbothered, like she was just another guest at someone else’s wedding, not the bride-to-be.

Anthony’s lips curled into a small smile. He made his way over, long strides bringing him right in front of her. He bent down and pressed his forehead to hers, his voice low and a little rough. “Are you nervous?”

Charlotte opened her eyes and glanced at Anthony’s hand. He was gripping it so tightly his knuckles were white, and she could feel the faint dampness from his palm. The corners of her mouth lifted. “I think you’re the one who’s nervous.”

Anthony let out a quiet sigh. “Maybe a little.”

Charlotte pressed her lips together, then reached up and gently pinched his chin. She put her phone away and got up, moving closer to him. She went up on her tiptoes, lips tilted in a teasing smile. “You finally managed to marry me, and now you get nervous?”

Anthony didn’t say anything, just stared at her in silence.

***

The engagement party was in full swing. Patricia and Robert sat at the main table, with Charlotte and Anthony across from them. Everyone else was spread out on either side.

They all knew each other, so there was no need for any stiff formalities.

When Patricia and Robert finished reading out the engagement gifts, the room went totally quiet. Every single person there, especially the younger ones, stared wide-eyed at the two impressively thick gift books on the table. They looked completely stunned.

Honestly, the value of those gifts could probably buy a couple of countries.

Shirley’s eyes were about to pop out of her head. She quickly took a long sip of water, trying to calm down. She leaned in and whispered to Stella, “People with money are just on another level. If this is the standard, I’m never getting married.”

Before Stella could respond, Andrew, sitting next to them, jumped in. “Even if it wasn’t this over the top, you’d still have trouble finding someone.”

Stella blinked, not sure what he meant.

Something wasn’t right.

Charlotte looked surprised.

Patricia frowned, curious. “Anthony, is there a reason? You know the wedding date isn’t something to pick on a whim.”

Anthony leaned back in his chair, his gaze soft as he looked at Charlotte. “I can’t think of a better day than the day she was born.”

Charlotte raised her eyebrows, a smile tugging at her lips. For once, she handed him a bite of her favorite cake. It was her way of saying thank you.

As the party started winding down, Anthony took a call, then pulled Charlotte into the lounge.

There was a laptop set up on the table. Hans stood nearby and greeted them politely. “Anthony, Charlotte. We found the website where the bracelet was sold, but tracking down the actual address is proving tricky.”

Anthony nodded and glanced at Charlotte. “Are you tired?”

Charlotte shook her head and handed him her plate of cake. She sat down and started working on the computer, focused and calm.