Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 10

His gaze was sharp as a tack.

I had no clue when Hogan popped up and why he was nitpicking over someone’s handbag.

Puzzled, Cecilia’s question from earlier in the studio suddenly flashed through my mind.

My guess was Hogan thought I’d switched to a new laptop.

What was his deal with old versus new, anyway?

I met Hogan’s gaze head–on and said coolly, “Isn’t that none of the investor’s business?”

Hogan’s expression froze, he took a drag on his cigarette, then stubbed it out hard and took off. Talk about a mood swing.

My bad.

Crossing the cash cow was not a smart move, I should’ve bitten my tongue.

The last thing I want was for Wallis to come back from a trip to find the place turned upside down because of me.

The next morning. I got to work as usual, and thankfully, didn’t run into Hogan downstairs.

I felt a bit relieved, but that feeling got jumbled up real quick with one delivery after another.

“Ms. Irwin, please sign for your laptop.”

“Ms. Irwin, your computer bag is here for you to sign for.”

“Ms. Irwin…”

t

time Cecilia opened the eighth delivery, it

Zade? Dang.

eyes sparkling with barely concealed joy, blushed and closed the door,

the corridor, uncontrollably seeping into my ears, was too

to the office.

shouldn’t have, Hogan. That must’ve cost a pretty penny,

I treat you

the response, but Cecilja giggled and covered her mouth, “Hogan, you’re teasing me

looked down at my notebook and smirked wryly

11:37

Chapter 10

just for a prize nobody really wanted, couldn’t hold a candle to gifts picked out for a girlfriend.

for review. After a moment’s thought,

I walked in, Cecilia was fiddling

starting at

Zade sure doesn’t pinch pennies,

“Sorry, Xaviera, I had no Idea Hogan would send so many gifts out of

get with the work I gave you yesterday?”

eyes went wide, innocence written all over her face, “I’m so sorry, Xaviera, I just set up the new laptop, haven’t

Predictable.

you can get a piece done before we clock out?”

“I’ll try

and I didn’t push. But back at my desk, I took over her work anyway.

she was the boss‘ pet, she was also part of our tech team.

needed to