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

our eggs in one basket, and that goes

caught on to Wallis‘

say, when it comes to making

I agreed.

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

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

I’d been freeloading here often enough to become a bit of

Chapter 36

went back home to get hitched.” Wallis handed me a raspberry

about that

at her watch and said, “What’s the rush? Big shots usually make a

I heard Wallis exclaim,

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

a beeline

you,” Wallis greeted with eager warmth, “We

finish, Frank had

by the big

Frank call out

there was Darren shaking hands with

me

flashed with surprise, his

at are you

ever the bloodhound,

for it.”

ourselves before Frank and

and complimented, “You

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

“You’re quite dashing yourself tonight,