The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1718

When Charlotte smiled, Anthony found himself feeling just a little less annoyed with Andrew.

“Charlotte, Anthony.” Andrew greeted them both, standing side by side with Shirley. They looked just like two kids who’d been caught sneaking out together, their faces embarrassingly red.

“Our scooter broke down halfway here,” Andrew said quietly. He didn’t dare look at Anthony, and his voice was barely above a whisper. “I called for someone to take a look at it, but they haven’t shown up yet.”

“Come on, get in.” Charlotte waved them over and added, “Anthony will take you home.”

Andrew looked completely thrown off. Him… treating Anthony like a driver? No chance.

“Didn’t you hear what Lottie said?” Anthony asked, his gaze cold as he fixed Andrew with a stare. “Just push your scooter to the curb and let someone else handle it.”

“Yes, Anthony.” Andrew snapped to attention, grabbed Shirley’s hand, and they both scrambled into the back seat.

Charlotte glanced back at the two of them. They looked so young and well-behaved, she couldn’t help but smile a little, almost like a proud mom.

The trip to Shirley’s place passed through the Gates’ neighborhood, so as planned, they made a quick stop there to take care of a few things.

It was Shirley’s first visit to the Gates’ home. She was obviously out of her element, trailing Charlotte’s every step and clinging close.

“Lottie, you’re home!” Nora had clearly been waiting. As soon as she saw Charlotte, she hurried over and pulled her into a hug, asking, “And my two little grandbabies? Behaving themselves?”

Charlotte rolled her eyes and shot a look down at her belly. “With all the spoiling I’m getting, do you think they’d dare misbehave?” Her lips turned up in a mock pout. “Are you here for me, or just obsessed with your grandkids?”

“Hi, Kevin. Hi, Samantha.” Being introduced so directly made Shirley straighten up in an instant, her small face lighting up with a bright, genuine smile.

Samantha walked right up to her and grinned. “You’re the young genius who published in the Cabinda University physics journal, right?”

Everyone had heard about Shirley. The orphan who worked so hard and never complained.

“I was lucky. My teacher was amazing.” Shirley nodded and smiled, nervous but sincerely grateful for the attention.

“That’s really impressive,” Samantha said, still not taking her eyes off Shirley. She couldn’t stop herself from gushing.

At the same time, a little regret tugged at her heart. If only Kevin had given her a daughter—maybe she’d be just as smart and sweet.