The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 404

Something was off.

Emily paused, her mind suddenly catching on a detail she’d missed. That girl from earlier was wearing a Vanguard High School uniform, and she’d called “Ms. Cool” an alumna.

Wait. How old was Ms. Cool supposed to be? And Anthony… he was actually with someone that young?

Putting aside the rumors about Ms. Cool being involved with other guys, Emily had seen for herself how close both Kenneth and Anthony were with her.

Emily stood there, frozen, watching Anthony from a distance. He was looking down with the gentlest smile, his hands cupping Ms. Cool’s face. The sight sent a chill through Emily. She’d never seen Anthony with a woman before, let alone looking at someone like that—so soft and protective.

It was obvious. Anthony liked her. Really liked her.

But Kenneth was his friend. How did they both end up falling for the same girl? Who was stealing whose crush?

Should she tell Anthony first, or Kenneth? Or maybe she needed to figure out the whole story and then expose Ms. Cool for who she really was?

While Emily was still lost in thought, a long arm suddenly landed on her shoulder, bringing with it the light scent of cologne. Kenneth’s voice came from right beside her. “What are you doing here?”

Emily turned her head. Kenneth grinned at her, completely unserious, his arm still draped over her shoulders. “What happened to your eyes? They’re so swollen, you look like you’ve been crying for days.”

He reached out, aiming to pinch her cheek like he always did. Usually, Emily would bounce around whenever she saw him, but today she was the picture of gloom.

She frowned and stepped away quickly. Glancing over, she noticed the sports car was already gone.

Thank goodness Anthony hadn’t seen any of this. He absolutely would have blown up on the spot. And with Kenneth’s skinny frame, Anthony would have flattened him in seconds.

“I’m fine,” Emily said, her fingers tightening into fists as she forced a smile. She tried to keep her voice steady. “You and Anthony… things are good between you, right?”

Kenneth shoved his hands into his pockets, raising his chin, confused. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

So he really had no idea.

“Charlotte, Parrish already booked the karaoke room.”

Charlotte zipped up her backpack and checked the time. It was Saturday, which meant Anthony had his weekly video meeting with his team overseas. He wouldn’t be home early.

“What about the cake?”

“It’s all set. Shirley’s favorite flavor,” Andrew said, beaming as he snatched her bag for her.

“You’re really on top of things,” Charlotte said, giving him a look that was half teasing, half approving. There was the hint of a smile at the corner of her lips as she zipped her black uniform jacket all the way up. The dark outfit made her look effortlessly cool, impossible to ignore.

Today was Shirley’s birthday.

Charlotte had paid for everything. Andrew and Parrish took care of the planning. The three of them had been keeping it a secret, hoping to surprise Shirley.

Andrew blushed at her words, suddenly shy. He mumbled, “Well, we’re all friends, right?”