The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 683

“Yes.” Anthony answered right away, taking responsibility for everything. “Robert, this isn’t about Lottie. If you’re mad, take it out on me. I can handle it.”

Before anyone could react, Anthony dropped to his knees in front of Robert. His eyes were serious and sincere. “Robert, please trust me with Lottie. I promise I’ll do everything I can to protect her and love her.”

“You—” Robert was completely thrown off. So was everyone else in the room.

Anthony was known for being ruthless in business. He’d never even lowered his head to anyone, let alone knelt. But now, he was right there on the floor, showing how much this mattered to him. The shock was almost too much to process.

Charlotte turned her head, her eyes a little shaky as she looked at Anthony kneeling on the floor. “What… what are you doing? Get up and talk to us…”

Even Robert was startled enough to get to his feet. The anger he’d been holding onto started to melt away, just seeing Anthony like this.

Anthony shook his head. His voice was steady. “I know forever is a long time. I know promises like this can sound silly. But I’m serious about Lottie. I really want to spend my whole life with her.”

Kevin and his family exchanged glances, taking this all in. Samantha’s eyes turned glassy with emotion. She could tell Anthony wasn’t just saying empty words. The way he’d taken care of Lottie earlier—she could feel that it was real.

Watching Anthony, Robert felt a rush of guilt. He frowned a little, then turned to Charlotte. His voice softened. “Lottie, come with me.”

Charlotte nodded. She walked a few steps with Robert, but then stopped, turned back, and hurried to Anthony. She bent down, brushed her fingers gently against his cheek, and gave him a playful smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you can still walk tomorrow.”

Anthony had power all over Astoria. Even Robert wasn’t sure he fully understood him, and he was a grown man—how could a young girl like Charlotte possibly know?

Hearing this, Charlotte just smiled, her lips curving gently.

“I’m sure,” she said. Her hands were clasped behind her back, her posture straight, her expression totally serious. “No matter if he’s rich or broke, good or bad, I’ll accept him. Even if it costs me everything, I still want to be with him.”

Robert was stunned. He never expected his granddaughter to say something so mature, so sure.

“And Grandpa,” Charlotte said softly, “I fell for Anthony five years ago, back when I was in the hospital. If it weren’t for him, maybe you’d never have seen me again. He means more to me than I can ever explain. No one else will understand that—only I do.”