Chapter 278

A moment of hesitation passed. The last thing he’d said before leaving the hallway burned in Emmeline’s mind, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask. Instead, quiet anger colored her response, seeping through the cracks of her usual composure.

“The part about me being an ordinary woman.” Her jaw clenched slightly. “And that my beauty isn’t enough to attract the attention of a man like you.” The words tasted bitter on her tongue.

The comb stilled.

Zavian’s hands dropped to his sides with eyes blazing through the mirror’s reflection.

The sudden stillness in the room felt electric, charged with emotions.

“You know that’s far from the truth.” Steel threaded through his words. “Her words came from jealousy, nothing more. A desperate attempt to convince herself she’s better than you. Don’t let what you heard make you lose your confidence.”

“You’re only saying that to make me feel better.” Emmeline’s lips pulled into a doubtful frown, though her heart flu