Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 19

I was zoning out staring at Hogan’s profile pic.

Honestly, I was planning to give this friend request a pass.

But of course, Hogan had to be a big–shot Investor.

If he just wanted to talk shop and I got all petty now, that would look bad on me.

After much thought, I accepted the friend request.

And within moments, a transfer notification popped up unexpectedly.

Like, what’s up with this investor playing Santa late at night?

I didn’t say much, just shot over a question mark.

Then a voice message popped up.

“Compensation.”

Suddenly, that steamy kiss from last night flashed through my mind, and everything clicked.

That investment banker sure knew how to play the generosity card.

I wasn’t shy; I hit accept on that payment.

one ever complained about having

didn’t take it, Hogan would

the dough, I thought about saying thanks, but as I started typing, I

the way things were between us, even one extra word seemed out

up

Omeone

business as usual at the office, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that from the tech department kept sneaking glances my way, like they were probing for something. It left a

Cecilia came up to me, “Xaviera, can I take

a

she just wanted

added, “Hogan’s mom invited me for

down, all helpless.

I was cool about

Chapter Ty

call it a day.”

looked up, her lashes fluttering, “You’re so

tell her I was just playing nice

had on her plate, so no delays

my decision was fair and square, but it wasn’t long before I got a call from Hilary.

done me dirty, haven’t you?

like fury was about to burst through

I asked, “What’s going on?”

me Cecilia was working at your studio?” Hilary was fuming. “Are you and Hogan playing me for

this coming, but Hilary’s reproach still managed to stir

daze, it seemed like I could hear Cecilia’s timid