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 project

I’ve realized something – we shouldn’t put all our eggs in

caught on to

say, when it comes to making money,

I agreed.

the Bluebell Bistro & Bar, a go–to for Rivertown’s elite events.

the hotel’s facilities to the dessert trays

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

Chapter 36

me a raspberry

about that Rich Man? Has

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

about to grab another bagel when I heard

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

beeline for him.

Wallis greeted with eager warmth, “We

Frank had turned away.

straight–up ghosted by the big

then, I heard Frank call out a

up, there was Darren shaking hands with our cash

saw me

with surprise, his smile spilling

at are you

the bloodhound, elbowed me, waiting for? Go

for it.”

ourselves before

me over and complimented,

nothing special, but with Darren’s words, I

compliment. “You’re quite dashing yourself tonight,