The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1457

“Okay.” Emily gave a little nod.

She took a careful step forward, balancing on her silver heels, and pulled her coat tighter around herself as she walked toward the waiting area.

Before she had gone far, a voice called out behind her.

“Emily.”

She paused and turned her head. Jarrod was there, walking toward her in a crisp white suit, all charm and easy smiles. His grin didn’t waver for a second.

“Emily, you look incredible today.” Jarrod stopped in front of her, his eyes shining as he took her in. “Honestly, you’re the most beautiful person here.”

He really meant it.

Emily had always stood out in showbiz. She knew she was attractive, but today, even she was surprised by her own reflection. It was almost impossible to put into words. There was just something magical about her, almost like a fairy out of a story.

“Thanks.” She flashed him a gentle smile and kept moving. “Is the rest of the team here already?”

“They are,” Jarrod said, walking beside her. He couldn’t stop looking at her.

Emily nodded. As she turned the corner, her heel caught on a bump in the carpet. Instantly, she wobbled, tipping forward.

“Emily, watch out!”

Jarrod looked alarmed and tried to catch her, quickly reaching out for her waist.

But someone else got to her first.

A tall, shadowy figure stepped out from around the corner. He caught Emily easily, his arm swooping around her waist and pulling her into a steady, safe embrace.

The movement jolted Kenneth into the wall behind him, and Emily’s forehead knocked right into his chin.

He sucked in a breath through his teeth.

“Okay,” Kenneth cut her off, accepting before she could protest.

In the lounge, Pam scrambled to find the ointment and handed it over to Emily.

“Emily, I’ll take it from here.” Jarrod tried to grab the small tube, but Kenneth was faster, snagging it and passing it right to Emily instead.

Jarrod looked awkward. Emily shot him a helpless glance.

“I’ll do it,” she said with a little sigh. She let her coat slide off her shoulder, stepped in front of Kenneth, and bent down. She squeezed a dab of ointment onto her fingertip, gently smoothing it along the edge of his chin.

Without realizing it, she’d revealed her elegant collarbones, framed perfectly by the flowers on her dress. It was hard not to stare.

“Sorry about this,” Emily said softly, a little embarrassed by Kenneth’s intense gaze. “It’s not too bad, actually. Some makeup will cover it right up.”

Kenneth leaned back, his deep eyes glued to her face, a small smile curving his lips.