The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1611

The second the call ended, the phone started ringing again.

“Charlotte…” Stella saw Anthony’s name flash across the screen. Her fingers tightened around the phone before she handed it over, whispering, “It’s him again.”

She’d already hung up on Anthony once. No way was she brave enough to do it a second time. Anthony would never get mad at Charlotte, but if he decided to turn that anger on her… nope, not worth the risk. The very thought made her uneasy.

Charlotte took the phone, hit decline without a second thought, and tossed it straight into her bag.

“What are you so nervous about? I’ve got your back.” Charlotte wrapped an arm around Stella’s shoulders, her tone easy, her mouth quirked in a lazy grin. “Let’s go find something delicious.”

“Sounds perfect.” Stella’s smile lit up her whole face. The others glanced over, then exchanged silent looks, wisely keeping their thoughts to themselves. Honestly, none of this surprised them anymore. If anything, they seemed a little too entertained by the drama.

…

On the other side of the city, Anthony wrapped up a long drone rehearsal and finally had a minute to breathe. He grabbed his phone and rang Charlotte.

No answer on the first try. Anthony’s steps slowed. His face looked worn out and more than a little frustrated.

“Charlotte’s at The Cabinda University, watching Shirley’s competition. She’s probably not somewhere she can answer,” Hans piped up, picking up on the tension in Anthony’s face and doing his best to smooth things over.

A competition? Even if she couldn’t take the call, Charlotte would usually text back, even if it was just a short reply to keep him from worrying. Anthony frowned deeper, pressing his lips together before dialing her again.

After a few seconds, the call went straight to voicemail.

“We’re sorry, the number you have dialed is powered off…”

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