Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 67

Sure, throwing in a bit extra was no biggie.

The moment the words left my mouth, a notification for a bank transfer popped up on my phone.

Hogan had sent another 2 grand my way.

“Mr. Zade, you are too kind. If you need anything in the future.”

“Ms. March, you could try dipping your toes into the showbiz.” Hogan cut me off, “Playing the contrast card, you nail it every time.

My voice got stuck in my throat.

I pride myself on my acting chops, but how did Hogan catch on?

“Ms. March, you intentionally slipped in ginger slices, so why didn’t you switch to a willow blade when slicing the carp?”

The willow blade was my go–to technique for slicing fish.

But I hadn’t realized Hogan would remember that.

The next day at work, Cecilia brought me breakfast on purpose and gushed, “Xaviera, you really know how to handle things. Mrs. Hilary invited me to go to a floral salon tonight, I’m so thrilled.” Predictable.

I figured Hogan forking over 2 grand so easily had to be connected to this too.

reminded her, “Mrs. Hilary’s favorite is the

gratefully said, “Then I’ll go

past

wasn’t feeling great about it, admitting, “Maybe I’m just small–minded,

good name is better than a good face, but cold hard

said, “Xaviera, stop working your butt off, go on

being blunt.

long before I got an

From Darren.

Chapter 67

mystery flick at

it, but thinking of Wallis’s

to think I was chucking my self–respect just for the

Darren. [What

message, (Eight

cheery, a stark contrast to the

nearly bare Branches outside the window

on

dumbfounded, “Who with, Professor

her sigh of relief, “Good on you, Xaviera. And

had barely dropped when a gasp

her mouth, awkwardly looking