The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1749

On the far side of the Isle of Veil, an old castle stood in silence. Roses climbed along the stone walls, blooming wildly and bringing a little warmth to the chilly, lifeless air.

On the top floor, an elderly man with white hair lingered by the window. His back was straight, but his shoulders sagged with age. His eyes, once sharp and clear, now looked tired and distant as he gazed at the fog outside.

“Allanson.”

The butler came up quietly, carrying a porcelain bowl. He watched the old man for a moment, concern creasing his forehead. “You haven’t been sleeping well. Just try a little of this tonic, it might help.”

Allanson didn’t bother turning around. He shook his head and let out a heavy breath. “Take it back. It won’t help.”

Even the best medicine couldn’t ease what weighed on his heart.

The butler stood there, unsure what to do. After a moment, he tried again, voice gentler. “Charlotte and Anthony’s wedding is coming up soon. If you don’t take care of yourself, how will you be able to see her?”

That made Allanson pause. He glanced at the bowl, then picked it up and finished the soup in a few gulps. As he set it down, he wiped his mouth and asked, “Has her invitation arrived yet?”

“Not yet.” The butler hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Maybe it’s on the way, or maybe Charlotte has just been too busy to send it.”

Allanson let out a quiet laugh. “You don’t need to comfort me. She probably doesn’t even remember her grandfather’s name. And even if she does, she has no reason to send me an invitation.”

“Allanson…”

He straightened up the tiniest bit. “It’s fine. She doesn’t have to invite me. I can still show up, can’t I? I am her grandfather, after all.”

And maybe this was the right time to see her grandmother again too.

He turned to the butler, voice firm but calm. “Let’s get ready then. Choose a generous gift, something impressive. Bring as much as we can carry.”

“Yes, sir.”

The butler nodded and hurried out the door to start making the preparations.

...

He sighed, half joking, half sincere. “Honestly, whoever gets to marry you is lucky.”

Charlotte let out a soft, real smile. “Yeah. He really is.”

And, deep down, she thought, so am I.

...

After leaving campus, Charlotte headed to the jewelry studio. She set down her bag, rolled up her sleeves, and focused on the last details of the wedding ring she was making herself.

“Charlotte, polishing the band can be tough on your hands. How about I do it for you?” The studio director hovered nearby, worry in his voice.

Charlotte shook her head with a quick, easy smile. “It’s alright, really. I want to finish this part myself. You don’t need to stay and watch, either. You all have work to do.”

The director didn’t push it. He just nodded and stepped back, watching in quiet admiration as she bent over her work, completely in her element.