The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1205

Imperial Heights.

Charlotte lounged on the sofa after her shower, a towel wrapped around her damp hair. She was half-focused on her laptop, typing with her left hand while her right kept lifting forkfuls of cake to her mouth.

The door opened.

Anthony stepped inside. His gaze landed on the cake sitting on the table, a chunk already missing. His eyebrows drew together, just a bit.

She had always liked cake, but lately it seemed like she was eating it every day. Something about Lottie felt different these days.

Charlotte heard the door and glanced over, catching Anthony watching her with that deep, unreadable look of his.

She shifted, blinking at him. “What are you staring at?”

“Grandma and Mom are here,” Anthony said as he came closer.

“How long have they been waiting?” Charlotte frowned, pausing her work. She was about to get up when Anthony’s hand settled gently on her shoulder, easing her back into the cushions.

“They just got here,” he said, picking up the hair dryer. He started drying her hair, slow and careful. “Don’t worry about it. They can wait a little.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?” Charlotte pressed her lips together. She had a deep respect for his grandmother and Lavinia.

“It’s fine.” Anthony’s lips curled into a small smile. He bent down and kissed the corner of her mouth, his voice low and warm. “You’re the family’s favorite right now. No one’s going to blame you for anything.”

When his grandma and mom arrived and heard Lottie was in the shower, they made a point to tell Anthony not to rush her.

“Alright,” Charlotte said with a soft laugh. She relaxed, letting Anthony finish drying her hair.

Once her hair was dry, Anthony grabbed a clean bra and some clothes from the closet, helping her get dressed. As his fingers brushed her waist, he couldn’t help but glance down, his eyes growing darker.

“Looks like...”

Charlotte peeked at him through heavy lashes, catching him staring. She smirked. “What is it?”

They’d finally tracked down the bracelet, which should have been good news. But knowing it was in Olivia’s hands felt so much worse than not knowing at all.

Olivia had left everything behind in Cabinda and run off to Novaria. There was no way she hadn’t made backup plans. Maybe she’d try to trade with the Hawk family, take the money, and disappear. Or maybe her plan would fall apart, and she’d rather destroy the bracelet than let Charlotte win. Olivia hated her that much. She might just decide, if she was going down, she’d take Charlotte with her.

That’s why Charlotte couldn’t bring herself to feel happy about the bracelet. It was also why she’d spent the whole day in the lab, isolating those three mutated pathogens.

She used to think she could take a risk. Now, she didn’t have that luxury.

“Lottie, come here.”

The moment Lavinia saw her, she waved her over and pulled her in for a warm greeting.

“Grandma, Lavinia.”

“You two are already engaged. Why are you still calling me by my name?” Lavinia patted her hand, pouting a little, clearly not satisfied.