The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1365

The inside of the car was quiet, almost too quiet, as Kenneth and Emily found themselves locked in a stare. The tension in the air felt like it might crack at any second.

A loud honk from behind jolted them both back to reality. Suddenly awkward, they looked away at the same time.

Kenneth cleared his throat, pretending like nothing happened. He straightened his collar, put both hands on the wheel, and kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “So, are we going to your office or back home? Lucky for you, I’m in a good mood today. Free ride, no tips required.”

Whatever little flutter Emily felt in her chest fizzled out in an instant. So, if he’s in a bad mood, she just gets left on the curb? Typical.

“Imperial Heights,” she replied, sitting up a little straighter. Her tone was soft. “I’m dropping something off for Charlotte.”

“Alright,” Kenneth said, not bothering to add anything else. He started the car and pulled away.

Half an hour later, they rolled up outside Imperial Heights. Emily climbed out first, carrying two blue gift bags, her smile bright as she headed inside. Kenneth trailed after her, looking like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Inside, Charlotte was lounging on the sofa with a book on traditional medicine balanced on her lap. Anthony was right beside her, feeding her slices of fruit.

They both looked up at the sound of footsteps.

“Hey, Anthony. Charlotte.” Emily lifted the bags and smiled. “Just wanted to drop a little something off for Charlotte.”

“Come on in,” Charlotte said, her lips curving into a subtle smile. She lifted her chin and said quietly, “Water.”

Anthony got up to pour her a glass, then helped her take a few sips, careful and gentle, like she was made of glass.

Kenneth took it all in, then found a seat for himself.

When Charlotte finished her water, she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, her eyes flicking between Kenneth and Emily.

They ended up staying for dinner with Charlotte. She picked at her food, not eating much, and eventually put her fork down, more entertained by Kenneth and Emily’s back-and-forth than by her meal. One of them always had a witty comeback, the other knew just how to push the right buttons. It was like live theater, and it definitely lifted her mood.

After dinner, Emily got a message from work and had to rush off. Kenneth’s phone rang too. It was his agent.

“Did you track down the hacker?” he asked as soon as he picked up.

Charlotte perked up, her interest obvious.

“How skilled are they?” Kenneth asked, tossing his car keys to Emily. “Wait for me downstairs.”

Emily nodded and headed out.

Kenneth’s voice dropped a notch, his gaze darkening. “Just do what I asked and get me an answer in two days.” He rubbed his lower back, frustration simmering just below the surface. Under his breath, he muttered, “I’m not stopping until I find that idiot.”