The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 61

“Save the money for your own brain treatment.”

Charlotte tossed out the words without a second glance and disappeared at the top of the stairs.

“You… you ungrateful child…”

Steven nearly lost his breath, his face turning pale with anger.

“Dad, it’s my fault,” Olivia said softly, steadying him with gentle hands. “I should have watched Charlotte more closely at school. She wouldn’t have gotten into trouble otherwise.”

Her voice soothed him. The tension in his features eased, and he squeezed Olivia’s hand with gratitude. “You’re a good girl. I don’t blame you for any of this.”

Thank goodness for Olivia, his thoughtful, well-behaved daughter. If it weren’t for her… well, with someone like Charlotte in the family, he would barely have the courage to face their neighbors.

“Olivia, make sure you practice hard for the piano competition next week. Make me proud.”

“I will, Dad,” Olivia replied, her smile obedient and sweet.

Watching Olivia’s graceful composure only made Steven’s disappointment in Charlotte run deeper. He was starting to regret ever bringing her home.

In her bedroom, Charlotte lounged against the headboard, scrolling through the apartment listings Adonis sent her. With every swipe, her frown deepened. None of these places were right. She could only wonder if Adonis was letting dollar signs cloud his judgment.

She texted him. [Forget the apartment. Why did you only send me three days’ worth of meds?]

Adonis replied almost instantly. [We’re short an ingredient. Jackson is searching everywhere. Just hold out for two days.]

Charlotte pressed her lips together, her eyes turning cold. Two days? If she ran out, she’d have to sleep under a bridge just to avoid causing trouble.

Charlotte: [Hurry. If I don’t have enough, I can’t even think straight at school.]

Adonis: [Why are you even bothering with school?]

Charlotte: [College. I want my degree. I want a real life.]

She hit send and tossed her phone aside, in no mood to deal with whatever string of shocked emojis Adonis would send next.

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