The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1238

No one expected Allanson to actually let Lottie walk away with the bracelet.

Charlotte finished her milk, then glanced over her shoulder at the bathroom door. Anthony stood there, a towel slung low on his hips. Her eyes lingered for a second before she looked away, voice soft. “I messed up.”

Nora paused. For a moment, it sounded like Charlotte was apologizing, but in a way that made Nora feel like she was the one at fault.

“Lottie, I wasn’t really mad at you,” Nora said, her irritation fading into worry. “I just… I’m relieved you got the bracelet and you’re safe. If anything had happened to you, I—”

“I know, Mom. I’m okay, that’s what matters.” Charlotte gave Anthony a quick glance. When she met his stare, so deep and unreadable, she immediately looked away. “We’re coming back to Cabinda tomorrow. You don’t have to worry.”

She ended the call and, back still turned to Anthony, dialed Jackson. “How’s the situation I asked you about?”

Before she could finish, Anthony walked over and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and burying his face in the warmth of her neck. “What did you ask Jackson to do?”

“That’s it,” she replied, then hung up. She looked up at Anthony, her voice gentle. “No one died, but a lot of people got hurt. I wanted Jackson to make sure everyone got medical care and compensation.”

These were people who had risked everything for them. The least she could do was treat them fairly.

Anthony’s hand slipped into her hair. “Why did you go to the temple? Was it because of Olivia?”

Charlotte shook her head, eyes locked on his. “No. I saw blood.”

Anthony looked puzzled. “Since when are you afraid of blood?”

“I used to be fine. But now… I want to do something good, just in case.” Her voice was barely above a whisper as she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in. “Anthony, I…”

He was hopeful this time. The third batch might be the breakthrough.

Dr. David messaged back. [Didn’t Lottie get the antidote?]

Anthony replied, [The bracelet cracked and the medicine leaked. I don’t know if it still works. Even if it does, we need to run a test first.]

[We’ve made a lot of progress,] Dr. David assured him. [The antidote is almost done and we’re confident it’ll work.]

[We’re doing everything we can to finish ahead of schedule.]

They had to. He needed to make sure Charlotte and their baby would be safe.