The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1644

“Yes.”

Anne closed the box and handed it back to Pandora, who stood there looking lost.

“Patricia…”

“I’m tired. I’m going upstairs to rest for a bit. Stay as long as you like.”

Patricia cut Pandora off gently, stood up, and let Anne support her as they slowly made their way up the stairs.

As Patricia walked away, Pandora frowned. She glanced over at Dorothy, trying to hide her frustration. “Dorothy, do you think Patricia doesn’t like me?”

“That’s just how Patricia is.”

Dorothy barely looked up as she fiddled with the gifts Pandora had brought. “She probably just isn’t used to you yet. If you come around more, you two will get along.”

“Yeah.”

Pandora felt a little better. With her family’s background, there weren’t many people in Cabinda who could compare to her. It had to be like Dorothy said—Patricia just needed some time to get familiar with her. She’d come more, win her over, no problem.

Just then, the sound of the front door caught their attention.

“Andrew is home,” a servant called out.

Andrew’s back?

Pandora felt her heart flutter with nerves. Quickly, she smoothed her hair and plastered on her brightest, most charming smile, just as Andrew stepped inside.

Their eyes met for the first time.

She tried to sound sweet. “Andrew, it’s been so long.”

She hadn’t expected to run into him here, of all places.

“Andrew—”

“And another thing.”

Andrew glanced at her, a crooked smile on his lips. “I’ve never been a good person. Not now, not ever. If you’re hoping for something between us, you’re wasting your time. We’re strangers. That’s not changing. Not before, not now, not ever.”

Pandora’s heart twisted painfully.

Andrew barely paused, then turned back toward his mother with a smirk. “If you really like her and you’re so determined to turn her into your daughter-in-law, then maybe you and Dad should have another kid. I’ll keep out of it.”

Dorothy was so furious she looked like she might pass out.

Andrew looked back at Pandora, his voice steely and cold. “And just so we’re clear, if you show up in front of me again, don’t expect me to go easy on you.”

Pandora’s face turned completely white, the color draining away.