The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 898

There’s a kind of love only parents have, the kind where they’re always convinced you haven’t eaten enough.

“Thanks.” Charlotte pressed her lips together, glancing up at Anthony.

He understood right away. Without a word, he picked the foods she usually avoided off her plate and added them to his own. It was his quiet way of letting her enjoy the meal, while still honoring her parents’ care.

“Go on, eat.” Anthony nudged the plate back toward her, then rolled up his sleeves and started peeling shrimp, placing them neatly in front of her.

“You drank too much juice earlier. Try some warm water with dinner, okay?” he said gently.

“Okay.” Charlotte barely looked up, digging in with a happy little hum.

A housekeeper soon appeared with a glass of warm water. Anthony checked it first with a careful sip, then held it up to Charlotte’s lips.

“I put a little honey in, just how you like it.”

Charlotte didn’t bother taking it from him. She just leaned forward and took a few sips, letting him hold the glass.

The way they moved together, it felt so natural, like they’d done this a thousand times. Every gesture just fit.

Across the table, her parents exchanged a look. Their eyes softened with relief and a quiet pride, as if they’d just witnessed something important. Franco, especially, seemed to see Anthony in a new light. For once, there was real approval in his gaze.

***

After dinner, Charlotte went through Nora’s medical report one more time before mixing a fresh dose of medicine and heading to the bedroom.

“Lottie, did you really make this medicine in half an hour?” Nora’s face went pale when she saw the white powder. She tried to keep her voice steady, but Charlotte could hear the tremor.

No. She couldn’t let that happen.

She had to find the antidote. But the last dose was used up twenty years ago. If there was any hope, it would mean going back to the Isle of Veil.

That terrible place.

***

After helping Nora take her medicine, Charlotte stayed by her side until she drifted off to sleep. Only then did she slip quietly back to her own room.

She didn’t say a word on the way, lost in thought, replaying Nora’s expression over and over in her mind. Why was her mom so shocked by her medical skills? Was she hiding something? Was it about her illness?

She was still turning it over when suddenly, a pair of strong arms slid around her waist. Anthony’s broad chest pressed close against her back, his breath warm against her neck. His voice came out low and a little rough, “No one’s here now. You can hug me all you want.”