The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 887

“Infrared system activated?”

Charlotte ended the call. She stared at her phone, her brows drawn together, a flicker of something unreadable passing over her beautiful face.

“Lottie, what’s wrong?”

Nora was still holding her hand, and the moment she saw Charlotte’s frown, her whole body tensed with worry.

“It’s nothing,” Charlotte said, pressing her lips together. There was no way to explain everything right now, so she kept her voice casual. “I’m just going out for a bit.”

“Huh?” Nora tightened her grip, suddenly grabbing Charlotte’s hand with both of hers. Her eyes shimmered with panic. “Lottie, where are you going? If you leave, will you come back?”

There were so many things she still hadn’t said, so much left she wanted to do together.

Charlotte took in her mother’s anxious face and tried to smooth out her own nerves. She brushed her fingers near her eye, then lowered her voice. “I’m going to see… Dad.”

And maybe settle a few things while I’m at it.

That last word felt so awkward coming out, her cheeks went warm and pink.

“Really?” Nora’s eyes were hopeful, but she still wouldn’t let go. “Can I come with you?”

Charlotte just stared for a second. Sometimes she wondered how she’d ended up so different from her mom. Thank goodness she hadn’t inherited Nora’s clinginess.

“You’re still sick. Just rest, okay?” Charlotte let out a soft sigh, gently touching Nora’s pale cheek, her eyebrow lifting just a little.

“But…” Nora looked like she might cry. She stared at Charlotte, desperate not to be apart for even a moment.

It was like she worried all this was just a dream. That if she blinked, Charlotte would be gone again.

“Nora.” Charlotte held her mother’s trembling shoulders, leaning in a little, lips curling in a small, teasing smile. “Are you really not going to listen to me?”

Nora bit her lip and shook her head.

“Something’s happened,” the maid whispered, glancing ahead. Her face changed and she stepped in front of Charlotte protectively. “Charlotte, it’s not safe. Maybe you should stay out here.”

Charlotte just lifted her chin, her mouth curving in a calm, almost amused smile. “If I don’t go in, that’s when things will actually go wrong.”

The maid looked completely baffled.

Charlotte gently moved her aside and walked into the hall with the relaxed air of someone out for a stroll.

“Charlotte…”

When the guards saw her, they glanced at each other, then looked away quickly, stepping aside under the weight of her cool, commanding gaze.

Inside, the tension crackled in the air. Two groups faced off, neither backing down.

Anthony sat in a chair, legs crossed, every inch the picture of a man used to giving orders and having the world obey.