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“Miss Yates?” Wilfred turned to Emily after Sean declined the invitation, his tone polite yet insistent.
Emily hesitated, caught in a dilemma. She wanted to hear more about Haley’s artistic inspirations, but turning down Sean’s dinner offer only to accept Wilfred’s would feel wrong.
Sensing her discomfort, Wilfred added with a calm smile, Please, don’t feel obligated. I simply dislike owing favors.”
That made sense. Though Emily didn’t know much about Wilfred’s background, his presence at Heidi’s exclusive birthday celebration hinted at significant influence. People of his stature likely avoided debts that could lead to unreasonable demands.
But if anyone owed a favor here, it was Emily. Wilfred had helped her earlier by speaking up in her defense.
With that thought, she spoke up. “Actually, it should be me treating you to dinner, Mr. Wilfred. After all, you helped me back in the room.”
“Well then,” Wilfred said with a light chuckle, “as we say back in Haven State, it would be rude to refuse such kindness.”
Sean’s ears perked up at the mention of Emily inviting Wilfred to dinner. There was no way he wasn’t tagging along.
Who knew what Wilfred’s real intentions were? Besides, it was getting dark soon, and he couldn’t risk leaving Emily alone with Wilfred. And Wilfred had even helped Emily earlier?
The car arrived in the city and stopped at a high–end restaurant.
“This place is known for its local specialties,” Emily said as they walked inside. “I hope you’ll enjoy it, Mr. Wilfred.”
“I’m sure anything Miss Yates picks will be excellent,” Wilfred replied warmly, his words carrying just the right touch of charm.
Emily felt a little flustered at his praise, while Sean rolled his eyes behind her.
Inside a private dining room, the server handed over the menu. Emily opened it and slid it toward Wilfred. ” Please, choose whatever you’d like, Mr. Wilfred.”
“Since this is a local specialty spot, I’ll leave it in your capable hands,” Wilfred replied.
“Do you have any dietary restrictions?” Emily asked, flipping through the pages.
“None at all.”
Emily ordered a mix of signature dishes, including some of her favorites and ones she knew Sean would enjoy.
Seated to her right, Sean softened as he noticed her thoughtfulness. His earlier irritation faded into a quiet contentment.
The dishes arrived quickly, and the meal proceeded with lively conversation. Emily and Wilfred delved into art and technique, their shared enthusiasm lighting up the room. Emily hadn’t expected Wilfred to be so knowledgeable about painting techniques.
“It’s all thanks to my sister, Haley,” Wilfred explained with a smile.
Wh
He went on to share stories about Haley’s childhood and the inspirations behind her famous works. Emily listened
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intently, captivated by every word.
Across the table, Sean sat in silence, feeling thoroughly excluded. He focused on his food, his utensils clenching food with unnecessary force. Across the table, Wilfred’s assistant ate happily, further irritating him.
As the meal neared its end, Emily excused herself to the restroom. On her way back, she stopped by the front desk to settle the bill, only to learn that Wilfred’s assistant had already taken care of it.
While Emily stepped out, Wilfred’s assistant discreetly left the table as well, closing the door behind him. Wilfred set his utensils down and fixed Sean with a cool, penetrating gaze. “Mr. Smith, you like Emily, don’t you?”
It wasn’t a question but a statement, a certainty that left no room for doubt. Though, he hadn’t asked for Emily’s name, it was clear he already knew.
Sean met his eyes without flinching. “Yes, I do. But what does that have to do with you, Mr. Wilfred?”
Leaning back in his chair, Wilfred crossed one leg over the other, his demeanor calm but pointed. “Emily deserves someone better. With your current age, your limited resources, and the control your family still holds over you, you’re not capable of giving her the life she deserves or the happiness she needs.”
