Chapter 31

I thought I heard it wrong.

But seeing Cecilia hemming and hawing, I knew Hogan’s Invite was legit.

Or was it just lip service?

I didn’t want to be a pain in the neck, so I politely declined, “Thanks for the kind offer, Mr. Zade, but I’ve got work to tackle. I’ll treat you next time.”

Hogan wouldn’t take no for an answer, “You’ve got to eat no matter how busy, right?”

His voice oddly pitched a notch higher, made me feel like I was too dumb to appreciate his goodwill.

Cecilia stood there with her head hanging low, murmuring, “Hogan, maybe Xaviera really has

her reasons.”

Look at that, his baby girl had an opinion.

I stood there, waiting to see how Hogan would handle the situation.

After a moment, he said with strained patience, “Cecilia’s been at your company for over al month now, Ms. March. She must have caused you some trouble, so I ought to give a proper

thanks.”

I immediately read between the lines of Hogan’s implication.

Turns out, he was settling a debt for Cecilia.

Cecilia caught on, too, her pale face finally breaking into a small smile, “Hogan Is so thoughtful, Xaviera, maybe you shouldn’t refuse?”

Full of sincerity.

I felt a bit miffed inside, but face–saving is still a thing.

So, I ended up hitting the restaurant with Hogan and Cecilia.

The place had class, and there was even someone tickling the Ivories in the corner. The plano music helped ease the blockage in my heart a bit.

But one thing I couldn’t figure out: in such a romantic restaurant, wouldn’t it be better for Hogan to enjoy a cozy world for two with Cecilia?

me along, the

got

stormed in like a force of nature.

me, her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you’re

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Cacter 31

knew I was

dragged me into this.

Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating, I couldn’t

the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite Cecilia.

she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia

Cecilia’s hand slipped off the fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely screeching

colors. She was clenching the knife and fork so

Pretty awkward.

as a cucumber, served up a freshly cut steak and naturally

of

her long lashes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan, I can manage it

glanced cautiously at

a startled little

back to the first

a buffet together.

as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t much

that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked them,

even smelled

that for a “pretty clever”

just sat across, silently eating, not saying a word.

cutting steak for Cecilia right in

a bit too much?” Hilary couldn’t stand it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does she need you to cut and feed

was passing a napkin to

replied without batting an eye, “You wouldn’t understand.”

storm clouds gathering on

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Chapter 31

be dragged Into their drama, I changed the subject, “Mrs. Hilary, the pan–seared cod

and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some young ladies, with no tact at

was like a

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