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.]

and back ends of the project still incomplete, I wasn’t ip the

insisted, [Xaviera, after this ordeal, I’ve realized something – we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket, and

I caught on

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

I agreed.

& Bar, a go–to for Rivertown’s

the hotel’s facilities to the

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

Chapter 36

Michelin chef went back home to get hitched.” Wallis handed me a raspberry mousse and said, “The new chef’s

asked, “What about that Rich

the crowd, then glanced at her watch and said, “What’s the rush? Big shots usually make a grand late entrance. Let’s snack first.”

was about to grab another bagel when I heard Wallis exclaim, “Here comes the

her star–struck gaze and sure enough, spotted the middle–aged man in a

a beeline for

good to see you,” Wallis greeted with

finish, Frank

ghosted by the big shot.

I heard Frank call out a

there was Darren shaking hands with our cash

me

flashed with surprise, his smile

at are you

ever the bloodhound, elbowed me,

for it.”

before Frank and

looked me over and complimented, “You look

in a simple black dress, nothing special, but

compliment. “You’re quite dashing yourself