The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1820

“Take Charlotte and Anthony to the lab. Make sure they get there safely.”

“Yes, Allanson.”

The butler dipped his head, then turned to Charlotte, bowing with practiced grace. “Charlotte, this way, please.”

Charlotte rose without a second thought, moving so quickly it was almost like she couldn’t get out of the room fast enough. She just wanted to leave, right now.

“Charlotte…” Allanson watched her walk away. His throat tightened as he forced himself to smile. His voice came out rough. “I know I did a lot to hurt you before. It was all my fault. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I just hope… you can live well from now on.”

Charlotte didn’t slow down, didn’t even look back. She pretended not to hear him at all.

Only when the car pulled away from the castle and the old stone walls faded into the distance did Charlotte finally start to relax. But the tension in her face lingered, like she was still carrying everything with her.

“Tired?” Anthony’s voice was gentle. He could see something was wrong, but he didn’t push. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and brushed his palm across her cheek. “Go ahead, close your eyes. I’ll wake you when we get to the lab.”

“Okay,” Charlotte said softly, her eyes drifting shut.

Anthony watched her as she slept, his brows knit together, his feelings written all over his face. He knew Lottie better than anyone. She loved and hated with equal intensity, but blood always ran deep. That was why she was so torn up inside. Of course she hated Allanson. How could she not? But no matter what, he was still her grandfather. Now he was doing his best to atone, to beg for her forgiveness. But forgiving him… that was asking too much. Everything she’d been through, everything her grandmother and mother suffered, couldn’t just disappear because he finally felt sorry.

Sleep a little, he thought to her quietly. Maybe you’ll feel a bit better when you wake up.

...

“Alright,” G5 said gently, pulling on her gloves and preparing the injection. She combined the liquids, drew them into the syringe, and glanced at both of them. “Ready? I’m starting.”

G5’s gaze landed on Anthony. His hands were clenched so tightly the knuckles had gone white, his jaw set in a hard line. Next to him, Charlotte looked cool and unbothered. Anyone walking in would’ve thought he was the patient instead of her.

“Anthony…” Charlotte propped her chin up, a slight smile playing on her lips as she looked over at him. “Why are you so nervous?”

“I’m not,” Anthony replied, voice a little stiff.

“Really?” Charlotte arched her brows, a playful exhaustion in her tone. “If you’re not nervous, then let go of my right hand.” She looked at his grip, tugged gently. “Otherwise, how am I supposed to get the shot?”