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 still incomplete, I wasn’t ip

ordeal, I’ve realized something – we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes for investors too. So, you have to

on to Wallis‘ plan.

must say, when it comes to making money,

I agreed.

Bluebell Bistro & Bar, a

from the hotel’s facilities to the dessert

my half–year at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here often enough

Chapter 36

hitched.” Wallis handed me a raspberry mousse and

asked, “What about that Rich Man? Has

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

when I heard Wallis exclaim, “Here comes

enough, spotted the middle–aged man in a suit, looking like Winnie the Pooh, not too far away.

a beeline for

good to see you,” Wallis greeted with eager warmth,

Frank had turned away.

were straight–up ghosted by the big shot.

I heard Frank call

shaking hands

saw me

surprise, his smile spilling over.

at are you

the bloodhound,

for it.”

ourselves before

looked me over and complimented, “You

was in a simple black dress, nothing special, but with Darren’s words,

and returned the compliment. “You’re quite dashing