The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 861

Imperial Heights.

Ever since her last run-in, Charlotte had been on her best behavior. She came home on time, ate when she was supposed to, and then curled up on the sofa, waiting for Anthony. Most nights, she’d kill time playing games on her phone.

Three rounds later, Anthony still hadn’t made it back. With a little frown, Charlotte quit her game and called him.

“Hans?” she asked when someone finally picked up.

“Charlotte,” Hans replied. “There’s been an issue with X Organization. Anthony’s handling it right now.”

An issue? At this hour? It had to be serious if Anthony was out there dealing with it himself.

Charlotte went quiet for a moment as her mind raced. “Is this Franco’s doing?”

There was a pause. “Yeah,” Hans admitted. “Franco took out one of X Organization’s trade routes. The losses are pretty bad.”

“How bad?”

“So far, about thirty billion. And it’s getting worse. We’re losing another ten million every hour.”

Solenia was basically the trade hub for all the continents. Losing a route like that was like trying to walk with one leg missing.

Charlotte didn’t have to ask why. Franco was obviously retaliating for getting kicked out of Solenia.

“I get it,” she said. Then she hung up and called N Organization’s headquarters.

“Hello? Nine?” York sounded shocked, almost dropping his teacup. “You finally remembered you’re the boss around here!”

Charlotte just got straight to the point. “Franco cut off an X Organization route. I want you to give them one of ours.”

York went silent for a second. “You mean Solenia’s ruler, right? When did Franco and X Organization start fighting? If we help X Organization now, aren’t we basically picking a side against Franco?”

N Organization was the biggest private group in Solenia. They didn’t fear Franco, but this would push things way past awkward.

At ten, Anthony finally came home. The first thing he saw was Charlotte dozing on the sofa, eyes closed.

He smiled and quietly signaled Helen and the maids not to make a sound. After taking off his coat and sanitizing his hands, he walked over and carefully scooped her up.

She woke up the instant he touched her, still half-asleep, eyes a little red at the corners, voice barely above a whisper.

“Anthony…”

She sounded so sweet and sleepy, it was impossible not to think of a little kitten curling up and purring.

“Why are you sleeping out here?” Anthony’s heart softened. He pressed a gentle kiss to her flushed cheek.

The maids exchanged glances, then quickly looked away, pretending not to see.

In the bedroom, Anthony set Charlotte down on the bed. He leaned over her, hands braced on either side, gazing at her with eyes full of warmth and tenderness.