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.]

project still incomplete,

in one basket, and that goes for

when I caught on

to making money, she was a

I agreed.

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

the hotel’s facilities to

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

Chapter 36

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

juice and asked, “What about that Rich Man? Has he shown up?”

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

bagel when I heard Wallis exclaim,

middle–aged man in a suit, looking like

made a beeline for

you,” Wallis greeted with eager warmth, “We are,”

finish, Frank had turned away.

were straight–up ghosted by

I heard Frank call

Darren shaking hands with our cash cow.

me too.

with surprise,

at are you

the bloodhound, elbowed me, waiting

for it.”

positioned ourselves before

and complimented, “You look lovely

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

the compliment. “You’re quite dashing