Phillis managed a strained smile and filled Kysonâs glass with red wine.
She then lifted her glass and offered a toast to him.
âIf one meal isnât enough to apologize, then Iâll invite you to more.
After getting to know you, Mr.
Shaw, I find myself really liking your personality and Iâd like to learn more about you.
Iâll drink first, Mr.
Shaw.
â
The wine was rich and smooth.
Kyson, however, made no move to pick up his glass.
He continued to entertain Destinee in his arms.
Had it not been for Destineeâs presence yesterday, he would have undoubtedly lost his temper and given the Perez family a piece of his mind.
He decided not to drink the wine.
The blind date had been a failure, and there was no point in prolonging the interaction.
After she drank, Phillis still held the empty glass, waiting for Kyson to accept her toast, which he did not.
She continued holding it awkwardly.
The atmosphere in the room grew uncomfortable.
Kyson and Destinee were chatting and laughing, making it apparent that Phillis was the odd one out.
This awkward silence persisted for over two minutes.
Just when a waitress entered to deliver the fruit platter, Phillis saw her opportunity to break the tension.
âMiss Perez, here is the fruit platter you requested,â the waitress said.
Phillis set down her glass and turned to Destinee.
âI ordered this for the little one.
Please place it in front of her.
â
The waitress approached with the fruit plate in hand.
At the sight of Kyson holding Destinee, her wrist shook and the fruit plate began to tilt.
Crash!
The glass bowl struck the tableâs edge, and the entire fruit plate tumbled from the womanâs grasp, scattering its contents across the carpet.
Phillis stood abruptly, her voice sharp with anger.
âHow careless can you be! What if you had injured Destinee! Call your manager immediately!â
The waitress bowed respectfully and offered an apology.
âIâm very sorry.
â
Destinee peeked out from Kysonâs arms and recognized the woman.
She exclaimed in surprise, âKyson, look! Itâs Miss Burton who dropped the plate!â
Kyson followed her gaze, fixing the woman with his captivating eyes, and questioned, âWhy are you here?â
Kyson learned this morning that Dulcie had resigned from the aquarium three days earlier.
He certainly hadnât expected to encounter her here, especially not as a waitress at Gracious Restaurant.
Dulcie gripped her uniform nervously and avoided his gaze.
âWell⦠Itâs a bit complicated.
â
Phillis, observing the familiarity among the trio, grew suspicious.
âDestinee, wait a second.
She looks about my age, maybe even older.
Why are you so nice to her and so harsh with me?â
In Phillisâ eyes, although Dulcie was pretty, she was just average.
After all, Phillis was the daughter of the prestigious Perez family and believed herself far superior.