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

shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes for investors too. So, you have to

I caught on to Wallis‘

must say, when it comes to making money, she was

I agreed.

Bistro & Bar, a go–to for Rivertown’s

facilities to the dessert trays was exquisite.

at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here often enough to become a

Chapter 36

me a raspberry mousse and said, “The new

sipped my juice and asked, “What about that Rich Man? Has he shown up?”

the rush? Big shots usually make

another bagel when I heard

the middle–aged man in a suit, looking

made a beeline for

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

she could finish, Frank

ghosted by the big

Frank call out a familiar

shaking hands with our

saw me too.

surprise, his smile

at are you

knows Frank?” Wallis, ever the bloodhound, elbowed

for it.”

before Frank and Darren.

looked me over and complimented, “You look

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

compliment. “You’re quite dashing yourself