The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 973

Cabinda.

The Blair Estate.

Charlotte sat at the edge of the bed, checking Patricia over with careful, gentle hands.

“The surgery went great. You’re recovering really well,” she said softly.

Patricia squeezed Charlotte’s hand, her gaze full of emotion. “If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be dead and buried by now.”

She’d heard that Lottie had barely eaten, slept, or even taken a break while caring for her. In the end, she’d pushed herself so hard she’d actually fainted. The more Patricia thought about it, the more her heart ached for this girl.

“You’re doing amazing. You’ll easily make it to a hundred,” Charlotte said with a warm smile, glancing at Anthony as he moved a chair closer. She sat down, looking perfectly at ease.

“I hope I do live a long time…” Patricia’s eyes softened as she looked at the couple. She couldn’t help but smile, reaching out to pat Charlotte’s hand. “I want to be around to help take care of your baby with Anthony.”

Baby…

The word made Charlotte’s fingers tremble just a bit. Before she could say anything, Lavinia, who had been hanging back, jumped in, her eyes sparkling.

“I want to help take care of your baby too!”

“You? Take care of a baby?” Patricia gave a little snort, clearly teasing. “When Anthony was born, you could barely stand to look at him.”

“That was…” Lavinia pouted, looking a little sheepish. “He was just really ugly.”

Back then, Anthony had been all red and wrinkled, like a grumpy old man in miniature.

Anthony just stared. Charlotte had to fight not to laugh.

“Lottie’s so pretty, her baby is definitely going to be adorable,” Lavinia went on, almost bouncing with excitement. “I hope it’s a girl and she looks just like Lottie.”

“No way.” Patricia sat up a little straighter, her energy clearly back. “I called it first. I get to take care of their baby. Anyone who tries to take that from me is going to have a problem.”

“Hm?” Charlotte looked up, confused.

Anthony leaned in, his lips close to her ear. His voice was low and a little rough. “Want to know what they want to name our daughters?”

Charlotte’s cheeks went pink. Seeing the two women still deep in their baby debate, she quickly grabbed Anthony’s hand and slipped away with him, making a quiet escape.

…

In the car, Charlotte curled up against Anthony, playing with his fingers as she spoke.

“Do you think your grandma’s going to be mad we snuck out?” she asked, sounding casual.

“Not a chance.” Anthony smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead and threading his fingers through her hair. His voice was soft and full of affection. “She’s way too fond of you to ever be mad.”

Right now, no one in this family was more loved than Charlotte.