The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1691

After Charlotte walked out, the heavy tension in the conference center faded in an instant. You could see it in the way everyone exhaled—leaders, reporters, even the Byron family. For a split second, it felt like everyone finally let themselves breathe.

“Patricia, Gallagher…” Hartley stepped closer, mopping beads of sweat from his forehead. His voice was careful, almost pleading. “What do you think we should do about all this?”

The Blair and Byron families were both powerhouses in Cabinda. Patricia and Gallagher were legends at Cabinda University. Hartley couldn’t risk upsetting either side, especially not by expelling both of Gallagher’s granddaughters at once.

“Patricia, Shirley…” Gallagher gave it another try, his voice low and his eyes earnest as he pleaded for Pandora. “Just this once, let her off the hook—whatever compensation you want, I can cover it.”

“Three million?” he whispered, glancing around, careful nobody overheard. “Three million, would that be enough?” He turned to Shirley, desperation obvious. “Anything you want, just please speak up for Pandora.”

Shirley kept her lips pressed tightly together, color draining from her face. She looked unsteady, like she might tip over any second. “I…”

Before she could continue, Pandora cut in, her voice shrill and defiant. “Grandpa, stop begging her.” She glared at Shirley, her eyes burning with resentment and a faint, mocking smile. “You think she’d let a chance like this slip away? Please. She’s been waiting for this.”

Shirley’s words died in her throat. Her expression grew complicated. “What are you even talking about?”

Patricia looked over as well. The annoyance was clear in the lines on her face. She narrowed her eyes, not bothering to respond, obviously waiting for Pandora’s next stunt.

Pandora brushed away a tear but her stare at Shirley was anything but sad. Her voice was sharp, bitter. “What, you think I don’t see what you’re up to? You’ve tried everything to get Andrew’s attention, all to marry into the Blair family. I’m in your way, that’s what this is about. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you and Charlotte figured out our plans from the start. Playing along so you could get rid of me—the only thing between you and your ticket to the top.”

“That’s not true!” Shirley protested, her brows drawn tight. She shot a look at Andrew and Dorothy, embarrassment turning her cheeks even paler. “I never wanted that, I swear.”

He paused, making sure every eye was on him. “But it’s not Shirley. If we’re talking about chasing after something out of reach, honestly, it’s me.”

The room stilled. All eyes flicked to Andrew. Even Dorothy froze.

“What are you talking about?” Dorothy’s expression sharpened, realizing he was about to defend Shirley again. She cut in quickly, her tone icy. “This isn’t your place. Stay out of it.”

There were so many people watching, cameras everywhere. If anyone found out Andrew was interested in a girl beneath their social circle, it would be unimaginable—her reputation, his, both ruined. No respectable family would ever want to match up with him again.

Andrew turned to his mother, disappointment flickering in his eyes. Then he looked away and continued.