The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 76

A flicker of surprise flashed across Anthony’s eyes as he turned toward Charlotte.

He’d designed the lock on his bedroom door himself. Even top tech experts would have a hard time with it, but Charlotte had it open in less than five seconds.

That was definitely something.

“Charlotte?” he called softly.

His gaze landed on her face. She looked completely out of it, her expression empty and dazed. Anthony’s eyebrows pulled together. She looked just like she did that night when she wandered outside in her sleep.

“Charlotte…” he tried again.

She didn’t respond at all. Her pretty lips were pressed into a straight, unreadable line as she walked inside, acting as if he wasn’t even there.

He was almost certain now—she was sleepwalking again.

Anthony followed her quietly into the room, keeping a careful distance as he watched her.

Charlotte’s skin was porcelain pale, and the pink pajamas made her look even softer, almost heartbreakingly sweet. Tonight, none of her usual icy defenses were there. She just looked lost.

She wandered aimlessly around the room for a moment, then finally stopped in the corner and squatted down, hugging her knees and curling up into a little ball.

Was she… pretending to be a tiny tree or something?

Anthony couldn’t help but smile at the thought. He walked over and crouched down in front of her, his voice gentle. “Do you want me to take you back to your room so you can sleep?”

Charlotte kept staring blankly at the floor, her eyes dull and lifeless.

He’d read up on sleepwalking before. Sometimes it ran in families, sometimes it was triggered by stress, trauma, or illness. He remembered hearing that she’d been sent away for treatment because of some mental health issues and violent outbursts.

The sight of her all curled up like that made Anthony’s chest tighten. He reached out and gently took her hand. “Don’t be scared. I’m not going to hurt you.”

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