Destinee scoffed, “I don’t judge people by their looks.


    Miss Burton is kinder—and yes, prettier than you.


    ”


    Phillis scowled.


    “Are you saying I’m mean?”


    Destinee arched an eyebrow.


    “I didn’t say that.


    But if that’s what you think, I won’t argue.


    ”


    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.


    “Miss Burton, I didn’t see you at the aquarium this morning.


    My godfather mentioned you were returning to your hometown and might note back.


    I’m surprised to see you here.


    ”


    Dulcie had been a caretaker for Destinee’s 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 Destinee’s hair.


    She was fond of Destinee as well.


    Destinee looked up at her with concern.


    “Miss Burton, why are you working as a waitress? Do you need money? My daddy and godfather are wealthy.


    You shoulde and spend time with me instead.


    ”


    “Well…” Dulcie offered an awkward smile.


    Kyson nced around and then addressed Dulcie directly.


    “Miss Burton, could we have a word in private? Perhaps somewhere quieter?”


    Phillis, clearly displeased, interjected, “Mr.


    Shaw, we’re in the middle of a meal.


    Isn’t that rather impolite?”


    Kyson rose with poise, adjusting his suit cuffs.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    His response was icy.


    “Miss Perez, your apology is epted.


    But there’s no need for us to know each other more.


    I’d prefer we remain strangers.


    ”


    With that, he lifted Destinee into his arms and gently took Dulcie by the wrist, leading them both away.


    “Mr.


    Shaw…”


    Phillis began, but the sound of the door closing cut her off.


    Kyson had already departed, not sparing a backward nce.


    *


    As they walked down the restaurant’s corridor, Dulcie attempted to gently pull away, but Kyson’s grip was firm, conveying both difort 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 unupied room, he pushed the door open and quickly instructed a passing waiter.


    “Please inform your manager we need this room for a private discussion.


    ”


    The waiter, noticing Dulcie’s uniform that matched his, nodded in acknowledgment.


    “Certainly, sir.


    ”