The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1409

“This wasn’t an accident…” Adela’s voice shook as she pressed her hands into tight fists, eyes red with accusation.

“So?” Kenneth’s smile faded. For once, all the playfulness in his face vanished, his voice low and steady. “Are you saying Emily pushed you on purpose?”

“She…” Adela’s lips trembled. She bit down, wounded and desperate, but before she could get the words out, Kenneth’s cold voice interrupted her.

“Even if it wasn’t intentional… even if it was… you brought it on yourself.” He stepped closer, looking down at her, his words slow and harsh.

The color drained from Adela’s face. Her mouth opened but nothing came out.

She’d never seen Kenneth stick up for anyone. Did he… really like Emily?

Hearing all this, Emily went still. Her heart started thumping out of rhythm.

“I’m warning you. Don’t go near her again. If you do…” Kenneth didn’t bother finishing his sentence, but Adela understood. He couldn’t have made it clearer. Emily was under his protection.

Adela stared, tears swimming in her eyes, envy and hate twisted together. After a few seconds, she finally looked away, covered her face, and ran off, burning with humiliation.

Once she left, the dressing room dropped into silence.

“Didn’t know you were so good at shutting people down,” Emily slurred, almost laughing, barely keeping her thoughts straight as the alcohol swirled in her head.

“You’ve been drinking?” Kenneth frowned. He could smell the booze on her. Her cheeks were practically glowing red.

“Just a little.” Emily tried to lean against the wall, her legs all wobbly and weak. She blinked, struggling to focus. “Did you need something?”

This definitely wasn’t just a little.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Oh.” Emily nodded, still dazed, her chin propped on his chest. Her gaze wandered over his face, dreamy and lost.

Maybe she was dreaming. This felt like a dream about Kenneth.

“What are you staring at?” Kenneth raised his brows. He couldn’t help a smile as he gently tapped her cheek. “You trying to take advantage of me?”

“Mmm.” The pinch stung. Emily’s eyes glistened, rimmed with red, fragile and full of hurt.

Even in her dreams, Kenneth was so mean to her. How sad.

What a jerk.

The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. Fat tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks. One landed on the back of Kenneth’s hand, hot enough to make him jolt inside.