Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 76

Just as I expected, I didn’t sweat it.

I mean, Cecilia’d just got that golden touch, didn’t she?

But what I didn’t see coming was this, walking into the office on Monday, the first thing I spot is Cecilia, decked out in her fancy–schmancy coat, chit–chatting away with Zora.

She was flaunting that thing like it was her latest trophy, all smiles, going. “After the discount, it still cost me a whopping more than one grand. I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it, but Hogan thought it looked fab on me and just went ahead and paid for it without so much as a by your leave. No chance for returns now!”

Zora’s all googly–eyed, “Oh my gosh, where do you even find a Mr. Zade who’s both hot and loaded like that? Come on, God, give us a break!”

I couldn’t help but give Cecilia a second glance.

I mean, no offense, but I was not exactly on board with Hogan’s taste.

Cecilia was petite and cute, right? Sweet and sugary or y2k style would suit her best. But wrapped up in that coat, coupled with her pity–me face, she looked kinda out of place.

But hey, who am I to argue when Hogan’s rolling in dough?

“Look who’s here. Xaviera,” Cecilia chirped when she saw me, all bubbly, saying. “I meant to call you last night to apologize, but it was late and I didn’t want to disturb your beauty sleep.”

was clueless, “Apologize

all sheepish, “About

look at her, strutting into the office in that coat like it was no big deal.

cracked a smile, “You’re thinking too much, Director Irwin. There’s plenty more where that came from in the

for

and went, “when did you switch up

coat’s collar, ready to respond, but then Wallis dropped another one, “You know, the sweet look suits you better. This one’s aging you.”

smile froze right on her face.

took a peek at Wallis and quipped, “A cashmere coat worth over one grand just turned into street market goods

Chapter 76

forget, I used to be part of

runway, but any random

that way, and Hogan didn’t seem all that generous after

so

I got a

Xaviera, I just happened to be near

sounded all nice and friendly.

I could tell there was more to it than