Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 29

Talking about that, I just realized what got Hogan’s goat was me axing him from my friends‘

list.

That was ancient history, happened days ago.

He just found out today?

But the dude was an investor, so I couldn’t exactly give it to him straight, can I?

That would make me look petty.

I had to save face and say, “Oops, sorry Mr. Zade, my friends list is crazy long, must’ve been a mistake.”

Right after I finished, Hogan couldn’t help but let out a snort, “Xaviera, can’t you come up with a better excuse? It’s just a WhatsApp friend, what’s eating you?”

Hogan had his usual confident tone when he said that.

That kind of confidence that says he’s seen right through me.

Suddenly, his confidence hit me hard, and I locked eyes with him and shot back, “Yeah, just a WhatsApp friend, what’s it to you, Mr. Zade?”

Hogan was clearly taken aback, speechless for a moment.

There we were, standing at the entrance of the corridor like a couple of loons, staring each other down without another word.

My fingertips were digging into my palm.

My heart was trembling, bittersweet.

on his face, said, “Xaviera, you

the wall, I took a deep breath and it took a while before

didn’t bother

those to get in touch, no need to go crawling back just because of a word

to hear his snark

still spent

investment, and I woke up in a cold

I went to the office with bags

11:42

Chapter 29

vibe, Cecilia was all smiles, looking like the

was handing out coffee and croissants

with a smile, “Your black coffee,

had just had a bout of gastritis a couple of days ago, so naturally, I

“Thanks.”

for the coffee and then heard Zora’s excited voice, “Wow, a Cartier Love bracelet with diamonds, so pretty!”

gaze, I immediately spotted the rose gold bracelet shining on Cecilia’s

look

Zade sure is generous,” Zora said enviously. “If I had a domineering CEO like him pick me up in

replying, “It’ll happen for you.

hear Zora say, “Mr. Zade is so romantic, not just giving you a love token but also matching

“matching avatars” made me

I couldn’t help but stealthily check

changed from a sunset to a cat with a bow tie, matching Cecilia’s avatar of a cat in a

looked quite the pair.

had treated everyone to coffee two days in a row, and I got

confirmed her itinerary, saying she’d be back tomorrow afternoon.