Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 88

“I’m at your door.” Hogan cleared up my confusion, “Xaviera, get back here pronto.”

Before I could even peep a word, Hogan hung up. The tone? His usual brusqueness.

Thinking about Cecilia, who was practically invisible at the party, I could relate. I bet Hogan came to stick up for his darling.

Gotta finish today’s business today, I calmly headed back to my place.

Trouble was knocking: gotta face it head–on. Even though I’d prepped myself mentally, catching sight of Hogan leaning on my door still sent a flicker of surprise through me.

The man had his eyes half–closed, looking all worn out leaning against the door, with his high–quality suit and tie off, which was casually draped over his arm, only sporting a white shirt. The usually neat collar was now loose, revealing a swath of fair skin.

In the dimly lit hallway, with his delicate features, there was an odd sense of brokenness about him, a far cry from the dazzling CEO of Rainbow Capital at the party. Seemed even more beat than me.

Suddenly, I had no clue how to even say hi. But just then, as if sensing me there, he lifted his lids slightly, revealing those deep–set eyes.

Our gazes locked and I heard Hogan ask, “Decided to show up, huh?”

His voice was already on the lower side, a bit standoffish when serious, but when he softened it, there was this indescribable warmth, just like now.

car keys tighter, feigned composure and said, “Mr. Zade, what brings you

then he quirked a smile, “Ms. March,

staring the car keys in my hand; looked like he too

keys, keeping it cool, “Speaking of which, you had a hand in this too, Mr. Zade.”

hearing this, “What

it weren’t for that transfer from you, I wouldn’t even make the down payment,” I spilled

intensifying stare; incredulous, he asked, “Xaviera, you used my money to cozy up to another man?”

volume on those last

yours, sure, but we made a deal, didn’t we? I

Chapter 88

1?”

tugged at his collar; then realizing the tie was already gone, he fixed his gaze on me, “Ms. March,

that my “sweet–talking” Darren was all about the cash.

Ms. March planning to pull the same

Hogan was a bit off his game, more chatty than he’d be in a normal month. And what threw me was

irritation and blurted out, “What exactly are you

were the

was about to clarify when Hogan threw another curveball, “What’s the deal with