Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 118

Cecilia was all smiles as she gossiped with me, like we were old pals. Anyone out of the loop would’ve thought we were super chummy, like mentor and mentee or something.

I didn’t bite but shot back with, “Have Mr. Zade and Director Irwin actually met FreeMan in the flesh yet?”

As soon as the words left my mouth, Cecilia’s smile froze, and she awkwardly mumbled, “Not yet, probably got held up or something.

Her voice was so faint: she could tell she wasn’t feeling too sure about it. Sounded more like she was trying to reassure herself.

Seemed like my hunch was right; things weren’t going as smooth for Hogan’s side as I thought. “You seem to have more tricks up your sleeve than I thought. Ms. March.”

A cold voice reached my ears, and when I slightly looked up, I caught Hogan’s eyes, brimming with mockery, briefly glancing between Timothy and me.

The sarcasm was loud and clear. Normally, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought, but Timothy had my back, and he didn’t deserve to be ridiculed by Hogan.

in a neutral tone. “Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Zade. Takes

to know one.”

to Cecilia and asked, “Decided which of those two paintings you

tone had softened

her head, looking all kinds of hesitated, “One’s got soul; the other’s a goldmine. It’s

Hogan seemed to console her with a patient voice, “Don’t choose then: let’s just get

both.”

picture of delighted surprise, “Hogan, isn’t that a bit too extravagant?”

wasn’t wrong. Though the price tags weren’t exactly visible, given the vibe and class of the place today, those two paintings had to be at least five figures

Of course,

suddenly chimed in. “The paintings on the first floor are mostly from commercial artists. I’m afraid they don’t hold much value for collectors. As for the ones upstairs, no offense, but the artist is just riding the trend, painting whatever’s hot. Even the so–called

docomo

Chapter 118

critic, casually doling out his verdict. But his words galled both Hogan and Cecilia,