The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 834

Charlotte needed to drink her milk, which meant she would have to take off her mask. Franco saw his chance. He was curious about the face behind those eyes, eyes that looked so much like Nora’s.

But Charlotte only lifted her mask a little, just enough to sip her milk quickly before dropping it back into place. The whole thing took less than five seconds. Franco caught nothing.

He’d been staring at Charlotte ever since he sat down. Anthony noticed, his eyes turning cold. “Franco,” he said flatly, “is there something you want?”

Franco finally looked away. When his gaze met Anthony’s icy stare, a hint of a smile flickered across his sharp features. “I wouldn’t say I want anything. I’m just interested in who you two really are,” he said in a low voice.

Anthony’s eyes narrowed. “We’re just regular people. Not worth your curiosity.” He didn’t bother hiding his annoyance. “Franco, you let us win the medicine at the auction, then sent people to follow and watch us. If you have something to say, just say it. No need for games.”

Franco’s expression darkened. Every word Anthony spoke was loaded with tension.

“You’d better mind your tone. Do you even realize where you are?” His voice was icy. No one had ever dared talk to him like this, especially here.

Before Franco could go on, Charlotte cut in, hands in her pockets and legs swinging. Her clear, dark eyes locked onto Franco’s. “And what about your tone? Franco, are you planning to throw your weight around just because you can?”

Franco was stunned for a moment. This girl was quick. In just a few words, she made him sound like a bully. Normally, anyone who talked back to him wouldn’t get a second chance. But her—those eyes so much like Nora’s—made him swallow his anger.

“What’s your name?” he asked, his gaze steady on her.

“I want Formula 30 in exchange.”

Formula 30 was for cell treatment. All the medicines she’d won were for nerve issues. Trading them all for Formula 30 didn’t make sense, not unless she’d already figured out what she wanted from the rest.

“So you took the medicines, figured out what was in them, and now that they’re no use to you, you want to trade them for Formula 30?” Franco’s voice was deep and steady. “Do you really think you can get away with that?”

Charlotte looked at him again, surprised he’d caught on so quickly. He was sharper than she thought.

“I’ll give you Formula 30. But I have a condition too,” Franco said, his expression turning serious as he looked at her. “I need one day of your time. I want you to meet someone.”