Chapter 6 6

The next morning, Kelsie received the official offer letter from Sterling & Associates. The starting salary was more than she expected.

"We were very impressed by your academic record and the tenacity you showed in your interview," the HR rep said on the phone. "The partners felt you were a perfect fit for our culture."

Kelsie closed her eyes. It was a real offer. She had earned it. The relief was so profound it almost brought her to her knees.

She wanted to celebrate. She wanted to scream. But she looked at the trash can with the broken card. She looked at the text from the hospital billing department. She had no choice but to be pragmatic.

"I accept," she said, her voice steady.

She unblocked Cornelius for five seconds. She typed: I will pay you back for everything. Stay out of my life. Then she blocked him again before the message could even show as 'Read'.

"Kelsie!" Joanne burst into the room, beaming. "Great news! I set you up!"

"Mom, no."

"His name is Caleb. He's a pediatrician. Good family. Not Wilder good, but respectable. He's taking you to Le Coucou tonight."

Kelsie wanted to say no. But then she thought of the engagement. She thought of Cornelius holding her hand while talking to Emerald. She needed to move on. She needed to prove she could exist without him.

"Okay," Kelsie said. "I'll go."

That evening, Le Coucou was dimly lit and romantic. Caleb was... nice. He was handsome in a safe way, with kind eyes and a nervous laugh. He asked her questions and actually listened to the answers.

"So, corporate law?" Caleb smiled over his wine. "You must like a challenge."

"I like order," Kelsie smiled. It was a genuine smile. For the first time in months, she felt like a normal twenty-four-year-old.

Then, the air in the restaurant changed. It grew heavier.

Heads turned near the entrance. Cornelius walked in, Emerald hanging onto his arm. He was wearing a tuxedo, looking devastatingly handsome and utterly terrifying.

The Maître D' hurried over. "Mr. Wilder, right this way."

He led them to the prime table. The table directly next to Kelsie and Caleb.

Kelsie froze, holding her menu up like a shield.

Cornelius sat down. As he adjusted his napkin, his eyes locked onto Kelsie. Then they slid to Caleb. The look was lethal. It was a predator assessing prey.

"Kelsie! Oh my god, what a surprise!" Emerald chirped, waving.

Kelsie lowered the menu slowly. "Hi, Emerald. Cornelius."

"Is this a date?" Emerald asked, leaning in. "He's cute!"

Caleb smiled politely. "I'm Caleb. Nice to meet you."

Cornelius didn't smile. He stared at Caleb's hand, which was resting near Kelsie's wine glass.

The waiter arrived with a platter of oysters for Caleb.

"I wouldn't eat those," Cornelius said loudly. His voice cut through the ambient noise.

Caleb paused, an oyster halfway to his mouth. "Excuse me?"

"The oysters here," Cornelius said, looking at Caleb with disdain. "Are a delicate pairing. To consume them with that particular vintage of Sauvignon Blanc is... an amateur mistake. It would ruin your... date."

The menace in his voice was unmistakable.

"They... they seem fine," Caleb stammered.

"Trust me," Cornelius said, his eyes drilling into Kelsie. "I know when something is spoiled."

Kelsie clenched her fists under the table. He wasn't talking about the food.