The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1565

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

Charlotte’s lips curled in a soft smile, her clear eyes narrowing just a bit.

There’s nothing like a first crush. Those early feelings always have a chance.

But love is never that simple. It wasn’t just about figuring out their own hearts, there were families to deal with too, and Andrew’s mom was honestly on a whole other level.

Just thinking about her made Charlotte’s brow crease, the warmth fading from her face. Shirley’s been through enough, and she really didn’t deserve even a little more pain.

***

At the Blair Estate, Andrew barely had time to drop his bag before his mother floated into the room, oozing luxury and confidence, her big smile already fixed in place.

“Andrew, you’re back?”

“Yeah.”

The second he saw her, Andrew’s mood crashed. He slouched in the doorway, his patience plainly running out. “Is there something you need? If not, I’m heading to my room.”

“What’s the rush?”

Dorothy’s face hardened as she heard the annoyance in his voice. “What, do I look like a monster here to eat you? Sit down, I want to talk.”

“Go ahead.”

He stopped and sank into the sofa, reached for an apple, and bit into it loudly, one leg crossed over the other.

“Is that what you call sitting properly?”

“Are you done?”

Andrew stood up, picked up his bag, and started for the stairs. If he hadn’t needed his bank card to buy a gift for Shirley, there’s no way he’d have walked into this house at all.

Sometimes he wondered, Lavinia could be so warm and gentle. Why couldn’t his mom be more like that? Instead she clung to grudges, never letting anything go. It was honestly a miracle he hadn’t turned out worse—he could only thank the Blair genes for that.

“Did you even look at the photos I sent you?”

Dorothy followed after him, trying to keep her temper in check. She switched gears, going straight to her point.

“The girl your aunt mentioned is just about your age. Good family, beautiful, and—most importantly—she goes to The Cabinda University.” She paused, then gave him a meaningful look. “Our families are a perfect match. If you two end up together, it could really set you up for life.”

When Andrew didn’t answer, Dorothy picked up her pace, her tone growing sharper. “I sent you her contact info. When you have time, take her shopping or to dinner. Get to know her.”