The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1707

“Here, sweetie, have some milk first.”

As soon as Charlotte sat down, Patricia was already setting food in front of her, fussing over her like always. All the while, she was throwing pointed looks at Anthony, who strolled over with that relaxed, not-quite-innocent smile and took a seat right beside Charlotte.

“What’s up with you?” Patricia asked, her voice sharp.

Anthony just grinned, long fingers carefully peeling a boiled egg. His eyes never left Charlotte, and there was a playful spark hidden there. “Had a bit of drama last night,” he said, way too casual. “Guess I made her mad.”

While he talked, he leaned in and let his breath brush against Charlotte’s neck, just to mess with her. Charlotte froze, her glass of milk halfway to her lips. She shot Anthony the fiercest glare she could muster, brows knitting together. She didn’t back down, just kept staring him down, harder and harder.

Patricia had no idea what was going on, but she shuffled closer to Charlotte, ready to question her. The second she got near, she spotted the bright red marks on Charlotte’s neck. That, combined with the two of them acting so awkward, made Patricia’s words dry up instantly. Her face flushed pink—these two! Seriously…

She cleared her throat and looked away, busying herself with her teacup. “So… how’s Shirley doing?” she asked, desperate to change the subject.

Anne smiled. “Her fever’s gone. She’s getting ready, she’ll be down in a minute.”

Right then, soft footsteps sounded from the stairs. Everyone looked over. Andrew had appeared, holding Shirley’s hand.

As soon as Shirley realized the living room wasn’t empty, she snatched her hand away, bowing her head. Her face flickered between pale and bright red.

“Shirley, come sit here.” Patricia had caught their little moment and her eyes sparkled with warmth as she waved Shirley over.

“Yes.” Shirley didn’t even hesitate. She walked carefully to the table and greeted everyone, one by one. “Patricia. Charlotte. Anthony. Anne.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Shirley murmured, trying to keep her voice down.

Patricia reached over, wrapping Shirley’s hand in hers, her eyes gentle. “They mean it. And listen, if this rascal ever gives you trouble, you tell Grandma, okay? I’ll put him in his place.”

Shirley couldn’t help smiling, warmth bubbling up inside her. She nodded, “Thank you, Patricia. He won’t.”

Patricia’s face suddenly fell. “What did you just call me?”

Shirley realized her slip. She flushed, rushing to correct herself. “Thank you, Grandma.” The word sounded a little strange but she said it anyway.

Patricia’s whole face lit up again as she squeezed Shirley’s hand and settled in to chat with her, visibly delighted.