The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1612

Andrew heard her and went still, stirring his fruit tea without really paying attention. He was in an even worse mood than before.

“Most people who get selected are grad students,” Charlotte pointed out, leaning back in her chair. She looked totally relaxed, almost like she didn’t have a care in the world. “It’s a big opportunity for you, but it’s also a challenge. When you get to Apex, you’ll have to put in more work than anyone else.”

Shirley listened quietly. Then she seemed to remember something, and her smile froze. She propped her elbows on the table and cupped her face, her voice dropping to a mumble. “I just don’t know how long I’ll be gone…” She’d done her research, but the exchange program’s length changed every year.

“What’s got you worried?” Charlotte lifted an eyebrow, her familiar half-smile making Shirley feel like she was being seen right through.

Andrew heard that and set his spoon down too, eyes locking onto Shirley with a kind of quiet intensity.

“My grandma,” Shirley whispered. She looked up and her gaze collided with Andrew’s deep eyes. Her heart gave a weird little jolt. She quickly looked away, trying to act casual, and forced a crooked smile. “And I’m going to miss you guys, too.”

You guys?

Andrew felt like he’d been dropped into an ice bath. Was that really all Shirley felt for him? Just a friend? Nothing more?

“Don’t worry, I’ll look after your grandma,” Charlotte said, resting her chin in her hand and scrolling through her phone with the other. No missed calls, no new messages. Was Anthony really not even trying to make it up to her anymore? Unbelievable.

Her mood took a nosedive. She locked her phone and tossed it onto the table, making a bang that startled everyone at the table into silence.

Charlotte looked up and saw Stella’s pretty face, all warmth and kindness, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit better. She reached out and pinched Stella’s cheek, her lips curving in honest appreciation. “Stella…”

“Yeah?” Stella blinked, a little confused. “What’s up?”

“How about you and I just spend the rest of our lives together?” Charlotte switched which hand held up her chin, arching her brow just a bit. “I’ll make the money, and I’ll even throw in two kids for free. Deal?”

Wait, what? Was Charlotte seriously offering to ditch Anthony for her, and promising two sons as a bonus? Could someone actually say yes to that?

Stella caught on to the joke and pretended to seriously consider it, about to play along. But before she could even speak, she looked up—and locked eyes with a very stunned Anthony, who arrived just in time to hear it.