The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1989

"Does she have any other trackers on her?"

Roger clutched the phone, fixing Charlotte with a desperate, bloodshot stare. "Charlotte, does she?"

"No."

Charlotte shook her head. She looked up at Anthony, her face deathly pale, and rasped, "What about the security footage?"

"Downloading now."

Anthony unlocked his screen and set it on the table. The surveillance feed instantly popped up.

A girl in a long dress, her hair cascading loosely down her back, appeared on the screen.

She was entirely empty-handed, walking mechanically forward like a wandering ghost.

Unable to wait, Roger fast-forwarded the clip. He realized Stella hadn't gone far; she was sitting motionless in the apartment complex's communal garden.

"Let's go."

Having confirmed her location, Charlotte stood up, ready to rush out into the storm regardless of her condition.

"Stay here." Roger grabbed her arm, his eyes dark, his entire demeanor terrifyingly cold. "I'll go."

Crash.

Thunder violently rattled the windows. The rain grew heavier, mercilessly lashing against the glass.

Without another word, Roger marched out the door.

Refusing to sit around uselessly, Charlotte ignored him and followed.

Just then.

The front door suddenly clicked open, and a drenched, utterly pitiful figure appeared before them.

"..."

Both Roger and Charlotte froze in their tracks.

"Charlotte... Dr. Gates..."

Stella slowly lifted her head. On her bloodless, ghostly pale face, she forced a broken, rigid smile. "I'm fine. I just wanted to take a walk. I didn't expect it to rain."

"..."

Charlotte's brows twisted in pure agony. She stripped off her coat and shoved it into Roger's arms.

"Go draw a bath."

Roger caught the coat and immediately draped it over the shivering girl. Gripping her shoulders tight, he ordered hoarsely, "I'll run the water for you."

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