The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1129

Stella wasn’t really into big gatherings. She’d only agreed to the birthday party because Shirley and the others had begged her for days.

“Charlotte, did you sort out that thing you mentioned?” Stella slid over to Charlotte’s side, leaning in close and speaking quietly.

“Pretty much,” Charlotte said as she sat down. She gave Stella’s cheek a playful pinch and smiled. “Looks like you’ve put on a little weight.”

It was obvious Stella had been in a good mood lately.

“I call her non-stop, and Andrew and Parrish keep an eye on her too. That’s the only reason she’s gained anything at all,” Shirley chimed in, resting her chin on Charlotte’s shoulder. “Seriously, I wish I could eat that much and not gain a pound.”

“Oh yeah?” Charlotte grinned and gave Shirley’s cheek a pinch too. “You’ve gained a bit yourself.”

“What?” Shirley’s eyes went wide. She jumped up, tugging at her dress. “Did I? Where? Seriously?”

She was wearing the dress her aunt had given her, and it was definitely her first time putting it on.

“Oh no, my crush is coming today!” Shirley buried her face in her hands, totally panicked. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have eaten so much!”

Crush?

Andrew spun around, trying to hide a smile. “Come on, you’re skinny as a stick. If you lose any more weight, you’ll just disappear.”

“Really?” Shirley stared at him, her eyes huge, like she was actually considering it.

He didn’t tease her for once. Weird.

Seeing her confused look, Andrew pressed his lips together, then reached out and ruffled her hair on purpose. “Nah, I was kidding, you little fatty.”

Shirley was starstruck—her idol was here. Andrew was just stunned by how ridiculously handsome Kenneth was.

“Stella, I brought you a little something. Hope you like it,” Kenneth said, taking off his mask and handing her a box. He grinned at the group. “We just came to join the party. Hope we’re not crashing.”

“Not at all,” Stella said, looking a little lost as she accepted the gift. Her cheeks went pink. “Thank you, Kenneth.”

“No need to thank me. Just treat me like a big brother, same as you do with Lottie,” Kenneth said, taking off his denim jacket with a warm smile.

If it hadn’t been for Stella back in the countryside, Charlotte could have had a really rough time. The Gates family would always remember what she’d done.

Stella glanced at Charlotte, but Charlotte just stayed quiet.

Sensing the awkward pause, Kenneth spoke up again. “This is Roger. You’ve met him before, right?”