The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 831

The sports car pulled in, and suddenly the world opened up.

A castle rose before them, grand and imposing, its walls hugged by tangles of thorns and blooming roses. Green vines snaked up the gray stone, curling around round towers and arched windows, casting everything in shifting shadows. The place felt secretive, almost enchanted. Vivid flowers and lush vines clashed with the dark red window frames and the heavy black iron gate. It was like stepping between two worlds, both beautiful and a little dangerous.

“Stay close to me, alright? Don’t wander off,” Anthony said. He tore his gaze from the castle to fasten the buttons on Charlotte’s coat, hands gentle and careful.

He caught sight of the faint red marks on her neck. That made him grin, his voice soft and teasing. “Such a delicate little thing.”

Charlotte shot him a look, then kicked his suit pants with her toe. She was gorgeous, her face tinged with annoyance.

“Enough with the jokes,” Anthony said, catching her restless foot and pulling it onto his lap. He pressed his thumb into her arch, just firm enough. “Did you hear what I said before?”

“Yeah, I heard you.” Charlotte glanced over her shoulder at the lavish presidential estate. Her lips curled into a wild, fearless smile. “What, you think I can’t handle myself in a fight?”

“You’re really planning on throwing hands?” Anthony’s smile grew. He ruffled her hair, voice gentle. “Don’t start anything.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, clearly not thrilled. Was he telling her to just put up with whatever happened? Before she could say anything, Anthony leaned in and whispered, “Let me handle it.”

He would never let anything happen to Lottie. Not if he could help it.

The car rolled along a path lined with roses and thorns. After a few minutes, a cluster of white buildings appeared ahead. Morning sunlight poured over everything, making the walls shimmer like stardust.

As soon as their group reached the entrance, a guard stepped up, polite but firm. “Sorry, but no weapons allowed inside. It’s the rule.”

Adonis glanced at Charlotte, waiting for her call. If they couldn’t bring their weapons in, what if Franco tried anything?

Charlotte’s eyes narrowed beneath her hat, her gaze chilly. She waited a beat, then spoke with a cool calm. “Just a few of you come with me. The rest, stay outside.”

She turned to the guard, her tone flat. “Whether or not we hand over our stuff isn’t up to you. I don’t follow those rules.” Letting most of her people wait outside was already more than enough of a concession to Franco.

Anthony slipped an arm around her waist, his smile gentle. When it came to rules, Charlotte always did things her own way. There was no point arguing with her about it.