Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 12

No clue how Hilary got her hands on my digits.

And it was crystal clear that her dinner invite wasn’t just about the food she had got ulterior motives.

What was she fishing for?

Could it be that Hogan hadn’t spilled the beans about Cecilia to her yet?

Whatever it was, I was not keen on getting tangled up in the Zade family drama anymore.

So I said, “Sorry Mrs. Hilary, gotta grind at work tomorrow.”

She probably didn’t see that coming. There was a pause on the line before I heard Hilary start to gripe, “I heard from Hogan that Rainbow Capital’s backing your project. I’ll have to talk to him about not putting too much on your plate.”

Talk about pulling the investor–mom card to pressure me.

I rubbed my temples and relented, “Mrs. Hilary, is tomorrow night okay?”

“Sure thing! I’ll send you the address. Just remember to bring your boyfriend along, okay?”

Boyfriend? Since when?

Oh well, I would cross that bridge when I get to Hilary tomorrow.

at this fancy restaurant on

town.

even the waitstaff were dressed to the nines – clearly, this joint

high these days.

the private room, the well–kept woman looked at me in surprise, “Why solo? Where’s

“He’s busy.”

continued, “No worries, Hogan’s still on his way. Let’s order

on the teacup tightened.

was coming tonight

shot me a probing look, “Xaviera, your company’s working with Hogan, right? Know a girl named

Hogan hadn’t introduced Cecilia

Chapter 12

cross paths with Mr. Zade much, not sure about

was at Rainbow Capital

ordering an expensive cocktail dress from a

were fixed on me after

might want to check with Mr. Zade directly

not my monkeys, especially

worried, you know. I’ve seen Ms. Irwin’s file regular background,

in Hilary’s book, Cecilia

was