The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 517

Anthony took the tray and walked over to the sofa. He set it down, then leaned in, hands on either side of Charlotte. He was just about to move closer when 98K suddenly barked.

The noise jolted Charlotte awake. She blinked, her eyes meeting Anthony’s gaze, full of warmth and affection.

She didn’t flinch, just looked right at him with a little smile. “Trying to sneak up on me, Anthony?”

Anthony shot the dog a glare, nudged its head out of the way, and then leaned down to give Charlotte a quick, gentle kiss.

She raised an eyebrow, looking at him lazily. “You’re getting brave lately.”

Anthony let out a soft laugh and pulled back. He tapped her nose with his finger, his smile lazy and affectionate. “You’re the one who lets me get away with it.”

Charlotte went quiet. She couldn’t argue with that. She really had spoiled him.

After she finished her bird’s nest soup and changed clothes, Charlotte grabbed 98K’s leash and headed outside.

Anthony caught up to her, slipping an arm around her waist. He glanced down at the big dog, who was jumping around her feet, clearly thrilled. Anthony frowned in disapproval. “Why are you bringing him?”

98K barked again, happy as ever.

“He’s useful,” Charlotte replied, her tone light.

Anthony raised an eyebrow but didn’t push it.

Dorothy already knew about Melissa. She had heard the whole story—Melissa spreading rumors about Charlotte online, even trying to hire someone to hurt her… and failing at that, too.

Now Melissa was sitting in a jail cell, and Charlotte refused to compromise. Dorothy figured Melissa’s parents had gotten nowhere with Charlotte and were here as a last resort.

“I watched Melissa grow up. This whole thing breaks my heart,” Dorothy said softly. “But you know Anthony. Once he decides something, there’s no changing his mind.”

“That girl only acts so tough because Anthony’s on her side,” she added, her voice sharp as she remembered Charlotte’s bold attitude. “If it weren’t for him, she wouldn’t have the nerve.”

A cold, clear voice suddenly cut through the room. “She doesn’t need Anthony. She still has me.”

Everyone looked up. Lavinia stood a little ways off, dressed in a soft lavender gown, her eyes cool as she stared them down.