Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 36

Just my luck, it had to be after that incident.

Cecilia’s greeting snapped me out of my reverie.

Wallis and I exchanged a look before she opened the door.

Cecilia handed over a box of cakes with a gentle smile. “President Lott, Xaviera, I picked out this gift especially for you two.”

Wallis chuckled in response. “Director Irwin, you’re too kind.”

Cecilia’s eyes crinkled with mirth, “President Lott, Xaviera, I mishandled things earlier, please don’t take it to heart. I’ve already smoothed things over with Hogan, let’s all work together and shine bright from now on.”

She finished with a playful but earnest fist pump, making it hard to hold a grudge.

But when did she talk to Hogan about this?

“Last night,” Cecilia blinked her large eyes and said, “I messaged you, Xaviera, didn’t you see?”

I fished out my phone and checked the notifications, indeed there was a message from Cecilia.

[Xaviera, Hogan has agreed.]

It was sent shortly after I left Mountain Villa.

At that time, my mind was in a whirl, I hadn’t noticed.

So, Hogan had let things slide only after Cecilia’s intervention?

I felt like I had cotton stuffed in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Wallis texted me. [Anyhow, glad that’s settled Clear your evening schedule, I’m taking you out to unwind.]

back ends of the project still incomplete, I

our eggs in one basket, and that goes for investors too. So,

caught on to

when it comes to making money, she was

I agreed.

& Bar, a go–to for

to the dessert trays was exquisite.

to Wallis, in my half–year at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here often enough

Chapter 36

home to get hitched.” Wallis handed me a raspberry mousse and said, “The new chef’s skills are a bit

sipped my juice and asked, “What about that Rich Man?

crowd, then glanced at her watch and said, “What’s the rush? Big shots usually

another bagel when I heard Wallis

sure enough, spotted the middle–aged man in a suit, looking like Winnie the Pooh, not too

a beeline for

see you,” Wallis greeted with eager warmth, “We are,”

finish, Frank had

were straight–up ghosted by

heard Frank call out a familiar name.

up, there was Darren shaking hands with

saw me

gaze flashed with surprise, his

at are you

ever the bloodhound, elbowed me, waiting for?

for it.”

positioned ourselves before

me over and complimented, “You look

nothing special, but with Darren’s words, I felt

the compliment. “You’re quite dashing yourself tonight,