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.]

the front and back ends of the project still incomplete,

put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes

on to Wallis‘

comes to making money, she was a real role model.

I agreed.

banquet was set at the Bluebell Bistro & Bar, a go–to

facilities to the dessert trays was exquisite.

my half–year at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here often enough to become a bit of a food

Chapter 36

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

asked, “What about that Rich Man? Has

her watch and said, “What’s the rush? Big shots

another bagel when I heard Wallis exclaim, “Here comes

sure enough, spotted the middle–aged man in a suit, looking

made a beeline

Wallis greeted with eager

she could finish, Frank

were straight–up ghosted by

I heard Frank call out a familiar name.

up, there was Darren shaking hands with our cash cow.

saw me

with surprise, his smile

at are you

Wallis, ever the bloodhound, elbowed me,

for it.”

positioned ourselves before Frank and Darren.

looked me over and complimented, “You look lovely

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

returned the compliment. “You’re quite dashing