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.]

project still incomplete,

realized something – we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes

when I caught on to Wallis‘ plan.

comes to making money, she was a real role

I agreed.

the Bluebell Bistro & Bar, a go–to

the hotel’s facilities to the dessert trays was

my half–year at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here

Chapter 36

to get hitched.” Wallis handed me a raspberry mousse

juice and asked, “What about that

her watch and said, “What’s the rush? Big shots usually make a grand late

I heard Wallis

in a suit, looking like

beeline for

Wallis greeted with eager warmth, “We

finish, Frank had turned

were straight–up ghosted by the big shot.

call out a familiar

Darren shaking

me too.

warm gaze flashed with surprise,

at are you

the bloodhound, elbowed me,

for it.”

ourselves before

looked me over and complimented, “You

in a simple black dress, nothing special, but with Darren’s words, I felt a touch

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