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.

you

I took a deep breath and it took a while before

the end, I didn’t bother adding Hogan

work–related, he could use any of those to get in touch, no need

need to hear his snark

said that, I still spent the night tossing and turning like

threatening to pull his investment, and I woke up in a cold sweat, sleep

the office with bags

11:42

Chapter 29

vibe, Cecilia was all smiles, looking like the cat that got the

was handing out coffee and croissants to everyone, one by one.

in, she greeted me with a smile, “Your black

gastritis a couple of days ago, so naturally, I couldn’t just grab any coffee, but I couldn’t snub her

“Thanks.”

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

immediately spotted the rose gold bracelet

wrist look even more delicate

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

shyly replying, “It’ll happen

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

made me pause

I couldn’t help but stealthily check the work group

bow tie, matching Cecilia’s avatar of

looked quite the pair.

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

saying she’d be back tomorrow afternoon.