The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1694

“Here, this is yours.” Patricia gave Shirley’s hand a gentle pat, her smile both warm and encouraging. “Calling me Patricia is way too formal. From now on, just follow Lottie’s lead and call me Grandma.”

Grandma?

Shirley pressed her lips together, quietly taking it all in.

“What’s the matter?” Patricia’s brows drew together as she put on a mock frown. “You don’t want to? Am I not good enough or something?”

“No, no, it’s not that.” Shirley hurried to explain, her voice hoarse and her smile a bit strained. “Thank you, Grandma.”

“That’s my good girl.” Patricia’s face absolutely lit up, her eyes never leaving Shirley’s face. She looked beyond satisfied. “If you ever need anything, you come to me, okay? Especially if someone tries to mess with you.”

She shot a glance at Dorothy as she finished that line. The warning was impossible to miss.

Dorothy kept her face neutral, but inside she was already cursing Shirley every name she could think of. To win over even Patricia... this girl really had tricks. But she couldn’t forget her real place in this family. She was Andrew’s mother. Who her son married, ultimately, was her call. If Shirley thought she had a chance to join the family, she was seriously dreaming.

The scholarship ceremony wrapped up. In an instant, a swarm of reporters closed in, snapping pictures and crowding around Shirley. Some were drawn by her impressive paper, but others were whispering about her rumored connection to Andrew.

Shirley was never one for the spotlight. Add a high fever to the mix, and her strength was almost gone. As camera flashes exploded all around her, her vision doubled.

She tried shaking it off, fighting to stay focused, but her head spun and her whole body seemed to give way. Her legs buckled and she started to fall.

Out of nowhere, two strong arms caught her just in time, steady and firm.

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