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.]

front and back ends of the project still incomplete, I

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

when I caught on to Wallis‘

when it comes to making money, she was a real

I agreed.

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

from the hotel’s facilities to the dessert trays was exquisite.

freeloading here often enough to become a bit of a

Chapter 36

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

and asked, “What about that Rich

her watch and said, “What’s the

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

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

made a beeline for him.

to see you,” Wallis greeted

she could finish, Frank had turned

straight–up ghosted by

heard Frank call out a familiar

was Darren shaking hands with

saw me

with surprise,

at are you

knows Frank?” Wallis, ever the bloodhound, elbowed me,

for it.”

before Frank

over and complimented, “You look lovely

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

compliment. “You’re quite