The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 678

But how was she supposed to explain this to Robert?

Samantha raked her fingers through her hair and wandered toward the restroom, lost in thought.

***

Outside the restroom, Charlotte stepped out after washing her hands and spotted a tall figure leaning against the wall, his posture relaxed and just a little bit careless.

Anthony had a cigarette between his fingers, his other hand stuffed in his pocket. His eyes were half-hidden by his short, tousled hair. He looked up as soon as he heard her footsteps, and the warm hallway light caught the edges of his silhouette, giving him this almost golden glow. For a second, he looked unreal, like he’d stepped out of someone’s dream.

He caught her eye, smiled slightly, and put out his cigarette before walking over.

“Why’d you come out here?” he asked, his voice soft.

Charlotte stood still, letting him gently dry her hands. Her gaze lingered on his face.

“Anthony…”

He looked at her, his heart giving a weird little jump at the sound of her voice. “Yeah?”

“I’m not going to get lost, you know.”

Charlotte’s smile turned sly, like she was keeping a secret. Clearly, he didn’t have to follow her all the way here.

Anthony let out a quiet laugh and tossed the paper towel away. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, and leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers. “It’s not about someone stealing you. I just hate the idea of anyone even thinking about it.”

“No one’s going to steal me,” Charlotte replied. She reached up and traced her fingers along his jaw, her eyes playful. Then she leaned in, bit his lower lip softly, and gave him a teasing smile. “Relax. Don’t be jealous.”

She took a few hesitant steps closer, finally seeing who was in Anthony’s arms. The girl was wearing a long red dress, looking delicate and sweet, clutching Anthony’s shirt and standing on tiptoe, cheeks flushed pink.

Lottie?

Samantha’s brain short-circuited. It was like lightning had struck her, leaving her head buzzing.

The shock of Lottie having a boyfriend was even bigger than the shock of her own son possibly liking men.

Suddenly, Samantha thought she might cry.

Kenneth came out of the restroom and looked up just in time to see Anthony kissing Charlotte. He glanced to the side and spotted his mother’s stunned expression. For a second, he almost bit his tongue in surprise.

Kenneth was completely floored.