The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1840

"Just focus on your studies. If you want to live here, live here. If you want to go home and stay with Geneva, do that. You don't need to worry about anything else." Robert already knew quite a bit about Lottie's friend. Besides, anyone Lottie chose to befriend was guaranteed to be exceptional. Having this girl as his god-granddaughter would only bring more joy and honor to the family. He was absolutely thrilled with the arrangement. Shirley opened her mouth to speak, but her nose stung with unshed tears. She was too choked up to form words. "Grandma..." Shirley looked helplessly at the older woman beside her, entirely unsure of how to navigate this. "Then I will thank everyone on Shirley's behalf." Geneva's eyes were already brimming with tears. She stood up shakily, holding her glass with trembling hands. Her raspy voice carried immense sincerity. "Having Mr. Gates and his wife as her godparents is Shirley's greatest blessing, and it is the absolute honor of The Henley Family. She is still young and hasn't seen much of the world. If she ever falls short, I beg for your patience and guidance." Geneva was well aware of the astronomical gap in status between their families. But she couldn't protect Shirley forever. This was her own selfish wish as a grandmother. If Shirley had the backing and protection of this family, Geneva could die with no regrets. This level of grace was something they could never repay in this lifetime. If there was a next life, she would give everything she had to return the favor. "You're far too modest, Geneva." Samantha and Kevin immediately stood up, lowering their glasses in a gesture of deep respect, warm smiles on their faces. "Please rest assured. From now on, we will treat Shirley as our own flesh and blood. As long as we are here, no one will ever bully her again." "Good." Geneva nodded through her sobs, wiping her eyes before turning to her granddaughter. "Shirley, quickly, thank your godparents for their kindness." "Okay." Shirley held her glass, looking at Samantha and Kevin with absolute sincerity. Her lips parted, and she spoke from the bottom of her heart. "Mr. and Mrs..." Realizing her mistake mid-sentence, the girl paused, her face flushing as she softly corrected herself. "Thank you... Godmom and Goddad." "Such a good girl." Samantha's smile was so wide her cheeks hurt. She finally had a daughter; she would never have to be jealous of anyone else ever again. "Shirley, these are welcome gifts from your three older brothers." Knowing Shirley might feel overwhelmed trying to blend in so fast, Kenneth stepped up, representing Donald and Roger as he handed over the presents. Donald gifted the latest top-tier electronics: a custom phone and a high-end laptop. Roger gifted a flawless diamond jewelry set. Kenneth skipped the subtlety and handed her a premium bank card. "If you refuse these, it means you don't accept us as your brothers." Kenneth pushed the pile toward her, cutting off her refusal before she could even speak. "Take it, Shirley." By calling her by her first name so easily, Kenneth made it clear that all three brothers already viewed her as family. "Now that you're here, life is going to be so much easier for us." Kenneth leaned in, dramatically lowering his voice. "Whenever Mom gets in a bad mood, she immediately starts complaining about how she never had a daughter. She says daughters are sweet angels, and we're just disappointments." "Did I say anything wrong?" Samantha smacked Kenneth sharply on the arm, rolling her eyes. "Do you three give me anything but headaches? Our family only has two girls now. The more, the better." As Samantha spoke, a sudden thought struck her. She looked over at Charlotte. "Right, Lottie, what about your friend Stella..." "She..." Charlotte put down her silverware, just about to answer, when Roger abruptly cut in. "She won't be your goddaughter. Don't even try." Instantly, the entire room fell dead silent. Every single pair of eyes snapped toward Roger.