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.

look on his face, said, “Xaviera, you think too highly of yourself!” and then vanished

a deep breath and it took a while before

I didn’t bother

something work–related, he could use any of those to get in touch, no need to go crawling back just because of a word or

didn’t need to hear his snark

spent the

Hogan was all self–righteous, threatening to pull his investment, and I woke up in a cold sweat, sleep out of the

the office

11:42

Chapter 29

downbeat vibe, Cecilia was all smiles, looking like the

and croissants to everyone, one by one.

greeted me with a smile,

had just had a bout of gastritis a couple of days ago, so naturally, I couldn’t just grab

“Thanks.”

Zora’s excited voice, “Wow, a Cartier Love bracelet with diamonds, so

spotted the rose gold bracelet shining

look even

CEO like him pick me up

replying, “It’ll happen for you.

to hear Zora say, “Mr. Zade is so romantic, not

words “matching avatars” made me pause

sitting down, I couldn’t help but stealthily check the

a bow tie, matching Cecilia’s

quite the pair.

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

saying she’d