Andrew heard her and went still, stirring his fruit tea without really paying attention. He was in an even worse mood than before.
“Most people who get selected are grad students,” Charlotte pointed out, leaning back in her chair. She looked totally relaxed, almost like she didn’t have a care in the world. “It’s a big opportunity for you, but it’s also a challenge. When you get to Apex, you’ll have to put in more work than anyone else.”
Shirley listened quietly. Then she seemed to remember something, and her smile froze. She propped her elbows on the table and cupped her face, her voice dropping to a mumble. “I just don’t know how long I’ll be gone…” She’d done her research, but the exchange program’s length changed every year.
“What’s got you worried?” Charlotte lifted an eyebrow, her familiar half-smile making Shirley feel like she was being seen right through.
Andrew heard that and set his spoon down too, eyes locking onto Shirley with a kind of quiet intensity.
“My grandma,” Shirley whispered. She looked up and her gaze collided with Andrew’s deep eyes. Her heart gave a weird little jolt. She quickly looked away, trying to act casual, and forced a crooked smile. “And I’m going to miss you guys, too.”
You guys?
Andrew felt like he’d been dropped into an ice bath. Was that really all Shirley felt for him? Just a friend? Nothing more?
“Don’t worry, I’ll look after your grandma,” Charlotte said, resting her chin in her hand and scrolling through her phone with the other. No missed calls, no new messages. Was Anthony really not even trying to make it up to her anymore? Unbelievable.
Her mood took a nosedive. She locked her phone and tossed it onto the table, making a bang that startled everyone at the table into silence.


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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns
Whos next? Rogers and stella??...
Too many side plots now. How many identities does she have? J?...
Request you to publish "she was the treasure all along" .. thank you...
Muito boa a história só quero que se resolva logo o problema da mutaçao e que a nora volte as duas se curem ! Antony e Charlotte tudo de bom e os outros casais que estão se formando tudo fofo só falta o Donald e o amigo do Andrew arrumar um amor ! História tem drama romance e comédia lottie mocinha forte que não leva desaforos Antony completamente apaixonado por ela. ( Espero que lottie acabei de vez com esteve ,Olivia ! chega de Olivia enchendo o saco e difamando a lottie parece barata morre nunca essa peste)...
Come on Lottie...go to your mother. Can't wait for the family reunion! Robert should meet Nora.......
Can I request for novel " female alpha's night of revenge "? Please. Thank you...