The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1112

“But—”

“Dad!” Charlotte cut Franco off, her eyes locked on his. The air between them tightened, heavy and strange. “You know exactly what needs to happen. Probably better than I do.”

Her words left Franco silent, lost in thought. He understood Nora’s situation far too well. Lottie wouldn’t have risked coming back to the Isle of Veil and revealing herself unless her mom was truly at the point where the antidote was the only hope left. If she didn’t get it soon, no one could say how much time she had left.

“Lottie will be okay. I promise.” Anthony’s voice was soft and steady, trying to offer comfort.

Franco glanced up at him. His face, aged but still striking, looked worn down and defeated. His voice was rough. “So, you agree with what Lottie wants to do?”

“I do.” Anthony reached out and ruffled Charlotte’s hair, his gaze warm and full of pride. “I trust her. Whatever choice she makes, I’m with her all the way. Your daughter is something special.”

Franco listened to them, wrestling with himself. His head dropped and his eyes filled with tears he tried to blink away. Right then, all he could think was how useless he felt, how he couldn’t save both his wife and his daughter at the same time.

“Oh, and Dad?” Charlotte set down her empty bowl and glanced his way. “Don’t tell Mom about any of this. Seriously. If she finds out what’s really going on, she’ll probably divorce you on the spot.” She handed him her bowl, then leaned her chin on her hand with a playful smile. “And… I want another bowl.”

Whatever color Franco had left drained from his face. He knew better than anyone that Nora absolutely would do something like that.

“Alright. I’ll get you more.” He nodded and headed for the kitchen. As he glanced back at Charlotte chatting with Anthony, he squeezed his hand into a fist. If Charlotte was so sure Nora wouldn’t agree to this, why did she think he would? This wasn’t a choice he could make on his own.

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