Chapter 37 Dinner

Chapter 37 Dinner
Kingsley's POV:

As soon as Harrison finished speaking, I looked up and met Erin's eyes.

Her face still carried some joy from passing the assessment. When she mentioned treating someone to dinner, her tone held genuine gratitude.

The irritation I'd accumulated from her inexplicable tantrum this afternoon instantly dissipated by half.

At least this woman had some conscience, knowing who truly helped her.

I cleared my throat, wanting her to thank me properly.

But this woman just blinked, gave me a strange look, and reached for the glass in front of me.

"Throat itchy? Want me to add some honey?"

"?"

So my hint was wasted?

She clearly felt embarrassed to admit owing me a favor in front of Harrison, especially after throwing a tantrum at me this afternoon!

"Since you're thanking someone, you should pick a decent restaurant. Don't shortchange your benefactor."

I leaned back on the sofa, deliberately emphasizing the word "benefactor."

From the corner of my eye, I caught Erin looking slightly embarrassed. Finally, I felt somewhat satisfied.

"Of course, I'll definitely pick the best."

Erin immediately nodded. Before I could say anything else, Harrison hugged her arm and bounced up.

"I want to go too! I want to thank uncle with mommy!"

"No."

I rejected without thinking. As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt two gazes fall on me simultaneously.

Erin looked surprised, while Harrison's face immediately fell, his little mouth pouting.

My reaction was indeed too hasty, but how could I not be hasty?

Finally having a chance to spend time alone with Erin, if I let Harrison tag along as a third wheel, how could I create any atmosphere?

Once I completely resolved the mess with Talia, then confessing to her would be sincere.

At this point, if people saw the three of us together, Erin might very well be called a homewrecker.

"Why not?"

Harrison tugged at Erin's hand, his big eyes full of grievance.

"I'll be good and won't disturb your conversation. I'll even order the kids' meal myself!"

Erin frowned, thinking for a moment.

"Harrison, daddy's right. This time it's adult gratitude. Next time mommy will take you out for good food alone, okay?"

I was stunned, turning to look at Erin, but she avoided my gaze, lowering her head to pat Harrison's head soothingly.

Seems she received my signal. We had some understanding after all.

Though Harrison was still unhappy, under Erin's coaxing, he eventually nodded and followed the servant back to his room.

The living room finally quieted down. I looked at Erin beside me, my gaze softening.

I was really looking forward to next Wednesday!

Erin's POV:

After coaxing Harrison away, I turned and met Kingsley's gaze.

What kind of look was that? He seemed to be in a good mood?

But he was right just now. Kai wouldn't like Harrison.

Even though I loved Harrison dearly, what happened five years ago remained a thorn between Kai and me.

Harrison's presence would only remind Kai that I betrayed him five years ago!

"What's your plan for next Wednesday?"

Kingsley put down his documents and looked up at me. "Going straight to the restaurant to wait?"

"I plan to meet up with the person who helped me first, then go to the restaurant together."

I steadied myself and took out my phone to search for nearby upscale restaurants.

Since I was thanking Kai, both the environment and food had to be excellent, but I wasn't familiar with these things. After browsing for a while, I still couldn't decide.

"Decided yet?"

Kingsley leaned over to look at my phone screen, his fingertip tapping the screen.

"This 'Étoile sur la Seine' is good. Their French cuisine is authentic, and the environment is quiet with good privacy."

I looked at the restaurant's photos. The warm yellow lighting paired with vintage carved tables and chairs indeed seemed perfect for conversation.

I immediately forwarded the restaurant information to Kai, noting we'd meet next Wednesday at seven PM.

Just as I put down my phone, I remembered what Kai asked me this afternoon.

He said Thomas family's raw materials were cut off, only Baker family had stable supply, and wanted me to help mention it to the stable owner.

I gripped my phone, hesitating for a long time. When I looked up, I met Kingsley's gaze.

He'd been watching me, his eyes carrying some scrutiny.

I bit my lip and finally spoke up.

"Kingsley, there's something I'd like your help with. Thomas family recently had their raw materials cut off. Kai said only Baker family has the supply. Could you..."

Before I finished, the smile on Kingsley's face faded, his eyes instantly turning cold.

"Erin, have you forgotten he already broke off your engagement and is now engaged to your sister Gloria?"

"I know, but this is different."

I hurried to explain.

"Kai is innocent."

"Innocent?" Kingsley laughed coldly, his voice suddenly rising.

"Erin, can you have some dignity? He's engaged to Gloria, asking a woman he abandoned to beg for favors for family interests? How is he innocent?"

"It's not like that!" I got agitated too, raising my voice in rebuttal.

"Kai wasn't like this before. He saved me when he was fifteen! Back then when father locked me in the basement, he secretly brought me bread and water..."

"That was before!"

Kingsley interrupted me, anger flashing in his eyes.

"People change! Now he only cares about Gloria, only about Thomas family interests. You're just a tool he can use in his eyes! How can you be so stupid, unable to tell good people from bad?"

"What right do you have to say that about him!"

I was so angry my hands were shaking.

Kai would always be the person who brought me warmth in darkness. Even if he'd changed now, I wouldn't allow others to belittle him like this.

"Kingsley, you don't understand him at all!"

"I don't understand him, but I understand you!"

Kingsley's face also darkened.

"You're just blinded by that bit of so-called past warmth!"

The atmosphere in the living room instantly dropped to freezing point. Looking at Kingsley's cold, hard profile, I felt both wronged and angry.

He had no idea what Kai meant to me, much less the significance of those memories.

I bit my lip and turned toward the stairs. When I reached the bottom step, Kingsley's suppressed voice came from behind.

"Erin, you'll pay the price for your soft heart sooner or later."

I paused but didn't turn back, heading straight upstairs.