The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 296

"Careful." Charlotte turned off her phone, gave Kenneth a quick look, and said with quiet politeness, "Thank you, Kenneth."

The way she said his name was so sweet it made Kenneth's worries disappear. He broke into a wide, genuine smile. "My pleasure."

They walked through the garden and barely made it into the hall before Robert came hurrying toward them, leaning on his cane, excitement written all over his face. "Lottie, you're back! Come here, let me see if you've gotten any thinner!"

The noise drew Kevin and Samantha from the kitchen. "Lottie, you’re home!" Samantha rushed over, arms open, and wrapped Charlotte in a tight hug. "I missed you so much. I made all your favorite dishes, so you have to eat plenty tonight."

Kenneth found himself pushed out of the way. He made a face but was clearly used to it.

"Thank you, Aunt Samantha," Charlotte replied, soft and sincere.

Suddenly, she was surrounded, everyone talking at once, asking if she'd eaten, how she was, if she was tired. Their warmth was overwhelming, almost too much to take in.

"Roger went out for an errand, but he’ll be back soon," Samantha said, gently brushing Charlotte’s cheek. "You must be tired. Let Kenneth take you upstairs so you can rest for a while."

"Okay." Charlotte smiled, polite as ever.

Kenneth led her up to the third floor. She expected a plain guest room, but when Kenneth opened the door, she stared in surprise. The room was like something out of a fairy tale, newly decorated in soft pastels, with elegant furniture and delicate touches everywhere. Everything looked expensive and luxurious, clearly picked with care. For the first time in a while, Charlotte really felt what it meant to belong somewhere.

She settled onto the sofa, watching as Kenneth, under strict orders, peeled longans for her. "What does Roger do?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

He almost blurted out that Roger did surgery on the dead, but quickly thought better of it. That would probably freak her out.

Kenneth thought for a second and answered, perfectly serious, "He's a doctor."

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