“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, i
