The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1616

Honestly, he’d made a move on Anthony’s future son and even tried to set Charlotte up with someone else. The only reason Anthony didn’t tear him apart right there was pure mercy.

The sports car roared off, leaving everyone in its wake. Hans finally tore his eyes away from the fading taillights and glanced at the group, who all looked like they’d just avoided disaster. “You’re lucky Anthony’s in a decent mood today,” Hans said with a little grin. “If he wasn’t… well, I don’t need to say it, right?”

Everyone knew exactly what he meant without another word.

“Come on, get in. Anthony asked me to pass along a message.” Hans signaled for a six-seater, holding the door for everyone. “Watch your heads and buckle up. Crack a window if you’re hot, hit the AC if you’re cold.”

“Wait—” Shirley lingered outside, frowning at Hans. “Is Anthony really going to make Andrew walk all the way back?”

It was a long way back to the Blair Estate—at least three hours on foot.

Hans shrugged and gave her a cheeky smile. “Don’t worry, he won’t have to walk. Anthony won’t know.”

“What if he finds out tomorrow?” Andrew looked worried, lines creasing his forehead. “Maybe I should walk anyway.”

When Anthony gave an order, Andrew always listened.

Hans messed up his own hair, thinking hard for a second. Then his eyes lit up. “We’ll ask Charlotte. If it comes down to it, let her plead your case.”

Andrew’s eyes brightened. “That could work.” He scrambled into the car without another thought. “If Anthony comes for me, I’ll go straight to Charlotte.”

Stella smiled politely and ducked into the car. Noticing the empty seat beside Andrew, she bit back a grin and went straight to the back row.

“Me first, me first.” Seeing Shirley hesitate, Parrish jumped in after Stella, ignoring the open spot by Andrew and sliding in next to Stella.

That left just two seats: the passenger seat up front and the spot next to Andrew. With Hans driving, and Shirley barely knowing him, the awkwardness was obvious. After a split second of indecision, she braced herself and sat down next to Andrew.

They’d been this close before, but now that things were a little weird between them, it felt different. Kind of tense, kind of new.

She went stiff, instinctively wanting to scoot away, but before she could move, his head landed right on her shoulder.

Her whole body tensed. She turned her head and caught a glimpse of his face, so close she could see every detail. Her cheeks went bright red.

“Never wake up someone who’s drunk and asleep,” Hans called from the front as he caught their reflection in the mirror, trying to sound all serious even as a sly smile curved his lips. “We’ll be there in a minute or two. Think you can hold on?”

Shirley’s face burned even hotter. She froze, unsure of what to do with her hands, her breathing, her whole self.

But in the end, she just sat there, letting Andrew lean on her. She could feel the warmth of his skin, his breath, the steady rhythm of his sleep.

Up front, Hans tried to hide his grin but failed miserably. Watching the two of them in the mirror, he could only shake his head.

They really did look perfect together.