The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1742

The Blair Group was neck-deep in the middle of a massive acquisition and everyone seemed to be working overtime these days.

Charlotte paused, her steps slowing as she glanced up, her eyes calm and bright. She met the gaze of the middle-aged man standing in her way, her lips barely turning up in a polite smile. “Anthony.”

Looking for Anthony, huh? There was no shortage of women wanting a shot at him. You’d need more than two hands just to count the recent contenders.

“Do you have an appointment?” The staff member was all business, face set in a stubborn scowl.

Charlotte shook her head, voice lazy and steady. “No, but…”

“No appointment, no entry.” He didn’t even let her finish. He looked her over with clear suspicion. Even with most of her face hidden by her cap, it was obvious she was beautiful. He was used to this type, women who thought their looks alone could get them close to Anthony.

“You should go. Now,” he interrupted, his tone dripping with dismissal. “Anthony’s way too busy for you.”

“And another thing…” He hesitated, as if thinking of just the right warning. “Anthony’s about to get married, and he practically worships his fiancée. Word is, she isn’t someone you want to mess with. Anyone who tries to get between them… well, you probably don’t want to find out what happens.”

“Is that a rumor?” Charlotte couldn’t help the way her eyebrow lifted, or the amused curve to her lips. She stretched out her words, sounding almost entertained. “Sounds like Anthony’s fiancée is a bit of a threat.”

“Of course she is.” As the topic came up, the staff member glanced around and dropped his voice, edging a little closer. “If she managed to lock down Anthony, she’s definitely the real deal. Probably ruthless.”

“Really?” Charlotte hid a smile, her eyes sparkling with clear mischief.

“That’s why,” the staff member smoothed down his suit jacket, trying to look like he meant every word, “every woman who’s tried to get close to Anthony, it’s never worked out for them. I’m serious. If you value your peace, just turn around and leave while you can. Otherwise, if Mrs. Blair hears about this… well, who knows what might happen.”

“Charlotte…”

“Didn’t have an appointment,” Charlotte said, barely glancing at him, her half-smile making it clear she’d heard everything.

“Nonsense.” Daniel’s expression turned stern, voice dropping into a scolding tone. “This is Anthony’s fiancée. She doesn’t need an appointment.”

“Mrs. Blair!” The staff member went pale as a ghost. He stared at Charlotte in horror, heart thumping wildly. “I—I’m so sorry, I didn’t recognize you.”

Not only had he failed to recognize her, he’d trashed Mrs. Blair right to her face.

“It’s all right.” Charlotte gave a quick, good-natured smile.

That was the last straw. The staff member’s legs gave out and he collapsed on the spot.