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

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

I caught on

comes to making money, she was a real role

I agreed.

& Bar, a go–to for

from the hotel’s facilities to the dessert trays

I’d been freeloading here often enough

Chapter 36

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

“What about that

“What’s the rush?

I heard Wallis exclaim,

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

beeline for him.

Bishop, good to see you,” Wallis

she could finish, Frank had turned

were straight–up ghosted by the big shot.

I heard Frank call out a

Darren shaking

saw me

warm gaze flashed with surprise, his smile spilling

at are you

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

for it.”

before

and complimented,

simple black dress, nothing special, but

returned the compliment. “You’re quite dashing yourself tonight, Darren.”