The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1428

“It’s an honor to look after you,” the bodyguard said, standing up straight and looking serious. “I’ve got the hang of it now.”

“If anything like this happens again, just let me know. Don’t worry about what happens to me,” he added, trying to look brave, even though Anthony still scared him. But Charlotte’s offer was just too good to pass up. Double salary? Who could say no to that?

Charlotte grinned at him, her fingers shaking so much she almost dropped her bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. “You’re funny. Alright, I’ll call you next time.”

The bodyguard nodded, full of gratitude. “Thank you, Charlotte, for trusting me.” Then he backed out of the room, clearly excited.

After he left, Charlotte made a lap around the living room before sneaking her Flamin' Hot Cheetos into the kitchen. She nearly bumped into a busy maid. The maids exchanged quick glances and then immediately pretended they hadn’t seen anything, all in perfect unspoken agreement.

…

After a shower, a call had come from The Gates Estate, inviting them over for dinner.

At the dinner table, Nora sat right next to Charlotte, her eyes always on her daughter’s slim figure. She kept piling more food onto Charlotte’s plate.

“Lottie, your cravings have changed lately,” she said quietly. “You used to love sweet and sour, but now you’re all about spicy food.”

Weren’t you supposed to be carrying twin boys? She thought. But Lottie’s pregnancy wasn’t playing out like someone expecting boys. Even her cravings reminded Nora of when she’d been pregnant with Lottie herself.

If they were boys, there’d be nothing to worry about. But if it was a girl, there was a bigger risk that the child would inherit certain genetic issues, not to mention the toll it could take on the mother. The cure hadn’t fully worked yet either… If Lottie was having a girl, would it make the treatment less effective?

Nora’s mood darkened. She put down her fork and took hold of Charlotte’s hand, her voice gentle. “Come with me, sweetheart.”

“I just didn’t want anyone to worry,” Charlotte said softly, glancing down at her belly with a tender smile. “The babies have been good… No trouble at all.”

“Really?” Nora pressed her fingers to Charlotte’s stomach, anxiety written all over her face. “How’s the treatment going?”

“It’s slower than I hoped,” Charlotte admitted. “It’s probably because of the girl.” She’d already guessed as much.

“But for now, there’s no big problem,” she added, keeping her voice gentle. What she worried about most was the babies inheriting that same mutation. If that happened, they’d have to wait until they were fifteen to be treated. Anything could happen before then.

She couldn’t bear the thought of her own daughter facing what she had.

“I just hope these babies stay safe and quiet inside you, and let your body heal, too,” Nora said with a long sigh, her worries showing. More than anything, she wanted her daughter safe. The rest could wait.