The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 893

“But…” Charlotte shot Anthony a sideways glance and looked like she was about to leap up, bristling like a little fox.

“What’s the hurry? I’m not going to eat him,” Franco said, his gaze landing on Charlotte. His expression was sharp, but his voice was soft, almost gentle. “Go spend some time with your mom.”

Charlotte pressed her lips together, at a loss for words. The way Franco was looking at Anthony… he wanted to do a lot more than just eat him.

Mom?

Lottie’s mom was still alive?

Anthony paused, then suddenly remembered the sketch he’d seen by the door last time he visited. It had seemed familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Now he realized—it looked just like Lottie from behind.

So Charlotte had a dad and a mom now.

The thought made Anthony’s lips curve up before he realized it. He spoke softly, coaxing her, “Listen to Mr. Hawk. Go see Mrs. Hawk for now.”

Charlotte looked at him, her eyes shining with a mix of worry and reluctance. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “He might be my dad, but if he tries to hit you, promise you’ll dodge.”

Anthony almost laughed. He reached up, intending to ruffle her hair, but before he could touch her, Franco cleared his throat. “Keep your hands to yourself. My bullets won’t ask questions.”

Keep his hands to himself?

Anthony’s fingers twitched, and the smile faded from his face. He’d already touched everything he was supposed to… and some things he probably wasn’t.

“Go on,” Anthony said, still gentle. “I’ll talk things through with Mr. Hawk.”

Last year?

“You two…” Franco’s expression twisted, his anger barely contained. “How far have you gone?”

Anthony’s brow creased. He didn’t answer.

The silence just made Franco angrier. He was torturing himself at this point. He’d seen how close they’d acted at the auction. And the way Charlotte had just looked at Anthony… did it even matter if something had happened?

“Mr. Hawk, I know you don’t know me well, so you’re worried about letting Lottie be with me,” Anthony said, his voice full of sincerity. “I made a promise to her grandfather and her family that I’d always love and protect her.”

“Lottie came here alone to find medicine because she was worried about my grandma’s illness,” Anthony went on. “If I’d known ahead of time, I never would have let her take that risk.”