The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1971

Meanwhile.

Roger stood by the hallway window and dialed Stella for a social media video call.

They hadn't spoken since parting ways yesterday.

The line rang for a long time before it finally connected.

"Stella..."

As the screen lit up, Roger had barely opened his mouth when he saw her balancing a towering stack of dessert boxes.

"Give me a second, Roger."

Stella struggled to set the pastries down. A few strands of hair clung to her forehead, and a fine sheen of sweat dotted her nose as she panted softly.

"What's all that?" Roger asked in a low voice once she caught her breath.

"Samantha sent them." Stella sat at the table, a rosy flush on her radiant skin and a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's way too much. I can't finish it all."

"Mhm."

Roger's gaze softened, his tone dropping to a gentle rumble. "Samantha did her homework. These are all your favorites."

"Tell her thank you for me."

Stella felt a deep, radiating warmth in her chest.

"Once these next two days of work are over, I'll come see you," Roger said, neatly shifting the topic away from his mother to pull them closer. "If you get bored, you can always visit the lab."

"No."

Stella quickly shook her head. She had seen the news. This was an international case; if it wasn't handled perfectly, the fallout would be massive.

"Your work comes first. Focus on that."

"Alright."

Watching the girl peer at him through the screen like a curious kitten, Roger felt his heart practically melt. "I'll listen to you. Work first, and then I'm all yours."

Listen to her?

Stella froze, utterly bewildered.

All she had meant was that he should focus on his job, not that he had to spend all his free time with her once it was done...

He had misunderstood.

Stella opened her mouth to clarify, but she had no idea where to even start.

"Did you feed the betta fish?" Roger asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he deliberately rescued her from the awkwardness. "Make sure the filter stays on."

"Mhm." Stella nodded obediently, taking him seriously. "I've been taking good care of them."

She picked up her phone and pointed the camera at the brightly colored aquarium, a sweet smile blooming on her face. "They're all doing great."

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