The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 687

When everyone heard that, they couldn’t help but feel both sorry for him and a little amused. Having his beloved granddaughter taken away was almost more than Robert could handle. If Lottie ever suffered even the slightest injustice, Robert would turn the whole Gates family upside down just to make Anthony pay for it.

***

On the drive back, Charlotte sat quietly in the corner of the car, scrolling through her phone and chatting with Jackson and Adonis.

Anthony finished up a work call and set his phone aside, his eyes settling on Charlotte. She was wearing a red dress, and his jacket was draped loosely over her shoulders. The collar had slipped down a bit, showing off her delicate collarbones. His gaze drifted lower, lingering on her restless legs.

He slid over and sat beside her.

Charlotte glanced at a new message from Jackson, then looked up at Anthony and blinked, her eyes bright. “So, everyone knows about us now, and your family’s okay with it.”

Anthony wrapped his arm around her waist and grinned, his fingers locking with hers. “Lottie, don’t you think we’re still missing something?”

“Missing what?” Charlotte teased, pinching his chin. “Are you trying to hurry up and get yourself a wife?”

Anthony laughed softly, his smile turning tender. He tilted her chin up, his voice low and warm. “Thank you, Lottie. I can’t believe I get to marry you at my age.”

He was already hoping he could become a dad before thirty-five. Just the thought of their future baby made his heart race.

“No need to thank me.” Charlotte gave him a quick kiss, then leaned into his embrace, completely relaxed as she opened her chat history.

Anthony caught a glimpse of Jackson’s message.

[Jackson: Charlotte, the A1 Research Institute went to Solenia twenty years ago. Two months after returning, something happened to the institute.]

If they wanted to solve the mystery and finish what the institute started, there was only one option. Someone had to go to Solenia.

[Nine: Got it.]

Charlotte switched over to Dr. David’s social media and sent a quick message. [About that competition in Solenia, let them know I’ll be there.]

That would give her the perfect excuse to take some time off and head to Solenia. She could investigate, maybe even win an award along the way. Not a bad deal.

After sending the message, she wrapped her arms around Anthony’s waist and snuggled closer, finally letting her eyes close.

Anthony looked down at her, worried. Even with her eyes shut, she pressed her lips together and frowned. She was clearly carrying something heavy in her heart.