The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1953

As evening approached.

The Gates estate was brilliantly illuminated and buzzing with life.

The younger generation hadn't all arrived yet. Charlotte and Anthony sat in the sprawling living room, chatting amicably with the elders of both families.

“Have we locked down Lottie's due date?”

Samantha wore a stunning purple dress accessorized with luminous pearls, looking absolutely radiant.

“We have.”

Anthony fed his wife a slice of apple, then adjusted a plush throw pillow behind her back. He offered a polite, warm smile. “Right around late December.”

For twins, full term was usually thirty-seven weeks.

“That's wonderful.” Samantha gazed lovingly at Charlotte's pregnant belly. “Those two little ones certainly know how to pick a date.”

They would be born right around the New Year. It was perfect.

“I just wonder when I'll ever get to hold a grandchild of my own,” Samantha sighed, her mood dipping into melancholy. “My oldest is always serving the country overseas, so I have zero expectations there.”

“Kenneth is doing alright for himself,” Samantha added. “But Emily's career is taking off. Having a baby now would hold her back, and I absolutely wouldn't support that.”

Besides, she wasn't even sure how far along Kenneth and Emily actually were in their relationship.

“And as for my second son...”

Remembering the useless boy who nearly died on a mission and still hadn't managed to lock down a girlfriend, Samantha waved a dismissive hand in frustration. “Let's not ruin a perfectly good evening by bringing him up.”

Just as she was lamenting, the sound of car engines cutting off echoed from the driveway.

Roger walked in first, followed closely by Andrew, Shirley, and Stella.

A moment later, Kenneth strode in, holding Emily's hand.

“Hi Grandpa Robert, Grandma Patricia...”

After a chorus of enthusiastic greetings to the elders, Shirley pulled Stella and Emily over to Charlotte. The three girls immediately crowded around her, pointing at her belly and chattering away.

Anthony, Roger, Kenneth, and Andrew gathered by the floor-to-ceiling windows, exchanging casual banter.

As they talked, their eyes invariably drifted toward the women across the room.

“My girlfriend is so gorgeous!”

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