Destinee scoffed, âI donât judge people by their looks.
Miss Burton is kinderâand yes, prettier than you.
â
Phillis scowled.
âAre you saying Iâm mean?â
Destinee arched an eyebrow.
âI didnât say that.
But if thatâs what you think, I wonât argue.
â
Stunned, Phillis bit back the retort on the tip of her tongue.
Despite being the Perez heiress, she restrained herself, knowing full well who Destinee was.
Breaking free from Kyson, Destinee rushed to Dulcie and grasped her hand.
âMiss Burton, I didnât see you at the aquarium this morning.
My godfather mentioned you were returning to your hometown and might not come back.
Iâm surprised to see you here.
â
Dulcie had been a caretaker for Destineeâs dolphin at the aquarium for years.
Moreover, Kyson had once told Destinee about a time when she was a toddler nearly falling into the pool, only to be saved by Dulcie.
Since then, Destinee had always viewed Dulcie as an older sister and friend.
Bending down, Dulcie affectionately stroked Destineeâs hair.
She was fond of Destinee as well.
Destinee looked up at her with concern.
âMiss Burton, why are you working as a waitress? Do you need money? My daddy and godfather are wealthy.
You should come and spend time with me instead.
â
âWellâ¦â Dulcie offered an awkward smile.
Kyson glanced around and then addressed Dulcie directly.
âMiss Burton, could we have a word in private? Perhaps somewhere quieter?â
Phillis, clearly displeased, interjected, âMr.
Shaw, weâre in the middle of a meal.
Isnât that rather impolite?â
Kyson rose with poise, adjusting his suit cuffs.
His response was icy.
âMiss Perez, your apology is accepted.
But thereâs no need for us to know each other more.
Iâd prefer we remain strangers.
â
With that, he lifted Destinee into his arms and gently took Dulcie by the wrist, leading them both away.
âMr.
Shawâ¦â
Phillis began, but the sound of the door closing cut her off.
Kyson had already departed, not sparing a backward glance.
*
As they walked down the restaurantâs corridor, Dulcie attempted to gently pull away, but Kysonâs grip was firm, conveying both discomfort and an unexpected warmth.
She paused, momentarily lost in the mixed sensations.
Kyson, oblivious to her conflict, scanned for a private spot to converse.
Spotting an unoccupied room, he pushed the door open and quickly instructed a passing waiter.
âPlease inform your manager we need this room for a private discussion.
â
The waiter, noticing Dulcieâs uniform that matched his, nodded in acknowledgment.
âCertainly, sir.
â