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.]

ends of the project still incomplete, I

– we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes for

caught on

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

I agreed.

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

hotel’s facilities to the

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

Chapter 36

me a raspberry mousse and said,

about that Rich Man? Has he

at her watch and said, “What’s the

another bagel when I heard

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

beeline

you,” Wallis greeted with eager warmth,

Frank had turned

were straight–up ghosted by the big

then, I heard Frank call out a familiar

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

saw me

with surprise, his smile spilling over.

at are you

bloodhound, elbowed me,

for it.”

before Frank and Darren.

me over and complimented,

was in a simple black dress, nothing special,

compliment. “You’re quite dashing