The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 841

The hotel room glowed with a soft, cozy warmth. It was quiet, almost peaceful, but Charlotte couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had followed her since she got back from the presidential palace. Something just felt off. Her chest felt heavy, like there was a weight pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe.

She barely managed to shower before collapsing face-first onto the bed. The nightgown she wore left most of her long, pale legs uncovered, and in the golden light, they looked even more tempting than usual.

Anthony had been working in the study next door. When he finished, he opened the bedroom door and stopped short, his eyes drawn to Charlotte sprawled out on the bed. He tightened his grip on his phone and swallowed, hard.

Was she doing this on purpose?

Anthony put his phone down and quietly walked over. He leaned over her, pressing gently against her back, his voice low and rough. “Why are you going to bed so early tonight?”

Charlotte was half asleep and didn’t realize he was there until he spoke. She jerked awake, eyes wide.

Whenever she was with Anthony, it was like all her defenses just disappeared. She’d lost count of how many times he’d managed to get this close without her even noticing. If he ever wanted to kill her, she’d probably be his first victim.

“I’m just tired,” she mumbled.

She looked up and met his eyes. He was smiling in that teasing, meaningful way of his, and she felt a twinge in her lower back. Suddenly remembering something, she wriggled out of his arms, coughed, and tried to sound serious. “I have some things to do. You go ahead and get some sleep.”

Anthony grinned, like he could read her mind. Before she could get away, he caught her by the ankle and tugged her back. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Charlotte frowned and pushed against his chest to keep some space between them. “Don’t get greedy.”

They’d agreed she needed to rest. No fooling around. But now that he’d gotten his way, he still wanted more.

“What do you think I’m going to do?” he asked, clearly amused by her reaction. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, laughing quietly. “Lottie, don’t let your imagination run wild.”

She didn’t bother responding, just glared at him.

Then he noticed her bracelet. Not just any bracelet—the one her mother had left her. She always wore it with the one Anthony had given her, but tonight, the deep red stone looked dull and lifeless, almost brown.

“What’s up with your bracelet?”

“Hm?” Charlotte lifted her head lazily, glanced at her wrist, and frowned. “I’m not sure.”

She remembered that when she left the presidential palace, the color had been even darker than it was now. Maybe it was all the disinfectant they used there. That stuff was everywhere.

Anthony didn’t seem too worried. He stroked the gemstone with his thumb, rested his chin against her shoulder, and spoke softly. “When we get back to Cabinda, will you take me to see your mom?”

“See my mom?” Charlotte’s brow creased. “She only has a memorial. I—her body was never found.”

He nodded. “I’d still like to go.” He nuzzled her neck, his voice gentle. “Lottie, do you want to know more about your father?”