The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1542

“How do we figure this out?” Norma asked, lips pressed together as a puzzled look crossed her face.

“You want to know if Kenneth really likes Emily, right?” Lavinia grinned, her confidence clear as day. “Leave this to me.”

She always trusted her gut about people. If Lottie was such a sweetheart, there was no way Kenneth would fall short. Besides, Lottie wouldn't have supported them being together if she had any doubts.

After the chat, Lavinia headed back to her room. She grabbed her phone and called Charlotte.

“Lottie, how would you feel about having another sister-in-law?” she teased.

Charlotte nearly choked on her water, then quickly pulled herself together. “Honestly? I’d love that.”

“Here’s what’s going on…”

—

Emily was still half-asleep when her phone rang. She fumbled for it, but as soon as she saw the caller’s name, she instantly perked up.

“Emily.”

She hadn’t even had time to say hello when Kenneth’s voice came through, warm and direct. “Open your window.”

Window? Emily blinked, a little thrown. But in the next second, she tossed off her blanket and hurried barefoot across the carpet, her movements so quick she barely realized what she was doing.

She unlocked the window and pushed it open. Kenneth was standing down below, phone in hand, looking right up at her.

“Are you bored? Let me take you out for some fresh air,” he said, gentle and inviting.

Emily hesitated for just a moment, but her answer came faster than she could think. “Sure.”

“I’ll be right here, waiting.”

Kenneth gave her a quick smile before hanging up, then stood patiently outside.

Maybe she was just overthinking things. If Kenneth really cared about Emily, she had no reason to stand in their way. She hoped she was right.

—

They didn’t drive long before the car slowed to a stop. Emily looked outside and froze for a second.

An amusement park.

She’d never been. Her parents had fought too much when she was small, and no one ever brought her here. Growing up in the spotlight, showing up at someplace like this had always felt out of reach.

She would have never guessed her first time would be with Kenneth.

“Are you sure we don’t need security today?” Knox, Kenneth’s assistant, looked back from the front, worry etched on his face. “You just went public with your relationship. The whole internet’s buzzing. If someone spots you two…”

“What if they do?” Kenneth said, giving Emily’s hand a reassuring squeeze. His eyes met hers, light and unwavering. “We’re together. We have nothing to hide.”