The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1715

"Daniel..."

The moment her husband appeared out of nowhere, Dorothy froze. She looked completely thrown off. "What... what are you doing here?"

"Meeting a client."

Daniel’s eyes were icy, his tone even colder. He glanced inside, spotting the old woman shuffling across the café. It clicked for him in an instant, and his face tightened. "That’s Shirley’s grandmother, isn’t it?"

Dorothy pressed her lips together and said nothing, but her silence told Daniel everything.

"So, what are you doing here with her?" His voice was low and sharp, his eyes hard. "Still stirring things up?"

"I..."

Dorothy tried to defend herself, but Daniel cut her off before she could get another word out. "Get Dorothy in the car."

"Yes, Mr. Blair."

The secretary moved toward Dorothy quickly, not daring to drag things out. "Mrs. Blair, please, the car’s right outside."

Dorothy shot Daniel a lingering look, then turned toward Geneva, who was hobbling out on her cane. She let out a short, bitter laugh. "I just want them to know their place. Just because they have Geneva’s favor doesn’t mean they can sit back and relax."

"Andrew is my son. As long as I don’t give my blessing, Shirley shouldn’t dream about marrying him."

"You—"

Daniel’s brow furrowed. He started to speak, but Dorothy was already glaring, fuming as she climbed into the car and slammed the door shut.

"Make sure she stays put."

He ran a tired hand over his face, then walked toward Geneva, his posture instantly softening. "Good afternoon. I’m Andrew’s father."

Geneva’s smile was gentle but tired. "They’re just kids. This is just young love, nothing more. Who knows what’ll happen down the road?"

"So," she said, gripping her cane with both hands, "let’s just see where things go."

The truth was, Geneva wasn’t optimistic about any of this.

Shirley would be leaving soon to study in another country. They’d be apart for years, hardly ever seeing each other. Time and distance could make feelings fade.

Maybe that’s why she was so upset at Dorothy’s cruel digs, both open and subtle. Her granddaughter had never tried to cling to anyone for a better life. If Shirley wanted more, she’d build it herself, no shortcuts, no playing nice for approval.

"...I understand."

Daniel heard what Geneva was really saying, and his smile faltered, a touch of discomfort settling in.