The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1564

“Grandma, that’s for your medicine. We can’t touch it,” Shirley said right away, keeping her tone gentle but firm. “Just leave it. Charlotte and Stella are both really kind. They’re not the type to look down on us.”

Geneva looked relieved and nodded, her voice soft and serious. “Charlotte’s done so much for us. Don’t forget her kindness, alright?”

“I know,” Shirley replied. She closed up her backpack, nodding with bright determination. “When I graduate and start working, I’ll make sure to pay Charlotte back.”

None of this would be possible without her.

With that, Shirley slung her backpack over one shoulder and hurried off into the narrow, messy alley, her shoes squishing through the muddy ground until her small figure was out of sight.

Geneva watched her go, clutching the money tightly as her eyes filled with tears. “Such a tough life for that child…”

***

After ending the chat, Charlotte glanced at her favorite contact pinned up top. It had already been ten minutes since she’d sent her last message.

She tossed her phone aside, kicked off the covers, and slipped into her soft slippers before heading out into the hallway.

Passing by the study, she noticed the door hadn’t been closed all the way. She could see Anthony inside, still in his robe, sitting at his computer. His normally handsome face was all pinched with worry; you could just feel the cloud of stress hanging over him.

“Anthony, just what are you so busy with?”

Charlotte marched in, arms crossed and eyebrows raised in frustration as she shoved the door open the rest of the way.

Anthony was so wrapped up in his work, he hadn’t even noticed the time or the fact that Charlotte had woken up.

“You’re up?” he said, shutting his laptop at the last second and walking over, keeping his expression cool. “Sorry, something came up and I had to deal with it. I didn’t check my phone.”

“Oh? Too busy to even look at your phone?”

Charlotte gave him a long look, then spun around like she was ready to leave. “Fine, keep working.”

Charlotte immediately curled closer, nestling against his chest like an affectionate kitten. “Shirley’s birthday. We’re celebrating it together.”

“Sounds good.”

He pressed a light kiss to her cheek, his voice soft as he asked, “Want me to pick out a present for you?”

He didn’t suggest coming along. If he showed up, the whole group of kids would probably get all stiff and awkward and wouldn’t enjoy themselves.

“No need to hurry.”

Charlotte tilted her head, studying him with clear, thoughtful eyes. Her voice was a little lower now, colored with something unspoken. “You’ll need to give her a gift sooner or later anyway.”

“Oh?” Anthony tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, then lifted her up in his arms, carrying her downstairs. He laughed under his breath. “Okay, tell me. What kind of scheme are you cooking up now?”