The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1573

Shirley gripped the slip of paper tightly, her eyes trembling with shock as she stared across at Charlotte. Her voice wavered. “Charlotte, this is way too expensive. I can’t accept it.”

Expensive?

Andrew and the others perked up, craning their necks for a look. When all those zeros on the receipt came into view, their eyes went wide. Andrew almost bit his tongue.

Charlotte had given Shirley a cutting-edge wheelchair, the very latest from a top medical technology company. This wasn’t just any wheelchair. It was safer, easier to use, and could even give precise massages at acupressure points. The thing cost a fortune because of all the research that went into it, and it hadn’t even hit the market yet. You couldn’t just walk into a store and buy one. It took money and connections to even get close.

Getting her hands on it must have been nearly impossible.

“It’s a birthday gift,” Charlotte said as she helped herself to some clear pork rib soup. “Just take it.”

“But, I—”

“If you don’t accept it, you’re telling me you didn’t want me at your party.” Charlotte set her spoon down and looked at Shirley, her chin tipped up, her tone suddenly cool. “Should I just leave?”

“No!”

Shirley’s face went pale. She jumped up so fast her chair nearly tipped and started piling more food into Charlotte’s bowl. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Charlotte, thank you. My grandma is so grateful.”

“No need.” Charlotte smiled, her pretty face softening as her lips curled up. “Your grandma is my grandma. And I don’t want to hear any more of that polite stuff.”

Shirley felt a warm rush in her chest. Her eyes turned glossy and she tried to speak, gratitude caught in her throat. “I… hmmph—"

Before she could finish, Charlotte stuffed a big piece of braised pork into her mouth.

“It’s supposed to be a happy day. Why are you crying?” Charlotte shot her a look, pretending to be annoyed, but anyone could hear the affection in her voice.

When he’d picked the gift, he’d gone out of his way to buy every shade of pink from every brand he could find.

Shirley was at a total loss for words.

Stella just stared, silent.

They exchanged a quick look, both girls wearing the same awkward expression.

“This one’s from me.” Andrew pushed a giant box in front of her, never taking his eyes off Shirley. “Open it.”

Inside was a brand-new laptop.

Shirley narrowed her eyes and gave Andrew a puzzled look, her voice a little rough. “Why a laptop?”