The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 825

“The people chasing us are hiding their identities. We can’t track them,” the butler said.

Franco didn’t answer. He stared at the security footage, watching the cars locked in a violent chase. His brows pulled together. “Send our people. Handle it for her.”

He shifted his gaze to the girl in his arms.

Nora was watching the monitor, but really, she was watching Charlotte. There was a spark in her eyes he rarely saw.

If Charlotte made Nora this happy, then he would find a way to bring her home.

“Once the trouble’s taken care of, bring her back,” he said.

“Yes, Franco.” The butler nodded, clutching the iPad as he slipped away.

As the security feed disappeared, the light in Nora’s eyes faded, leaving her expression empty, like still water.

“Do you like her?” Franco asked, catching the change on her face. The corners of his mouth lifted, softening his usual stern look. He cupped Nora’s face, his thumb brushing her cheek, his tone gentle.

Nora pressed her lips together. Her lashes fluttered, and her fingers curled tighter around his arm.

That tiny reaction was enough to have Franco in a good mood for days.

“Get some sleep. I’ll take care of it and bring her back to you.” Franco kissed the tip of her nose, settled her onto the bed, and didn’t leave until her eyes were closed. Then he crossed to the window, looking out at the city. The warmth left his face, replaced by a sharp, icy calm.

“When does Sunlight arrive?”

“Franco, there’s an international medical conference at the Solenia Medical Center tomorrow morning. Sunlight is one of the guest speakers.”

“After the conference, his medical report should be ready. Once we’re sure he’s healthy enough to see Mrs. Hawk, bring him in.”

***

The chase lasted half an hour. The cars behind them were riddled with bullets, bodies sprawled across the road. The ones left standing realized they were outmatched. They turned tail and disappeared.

The chaos faded away.

When he was sure it was safe, Anthony finally let go of the steering wheel. He took a sanitizing wipe, cleaned his hands, then climbed into the back seat.

Charlotte had just finished her first round of the game.

“Tired?” Anthony asked, glancing at her. Charlotte looked completely relaxed, as if the whole ordeal had never happened. He reached up and gently massaged her neck.

“A little,” she murmured, setting down her phone. She curled into his arms, nuzzling her cheek against his chest. “Bunch of idiots,” she mumbled.