Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 131

Well, I had no choice, did I? Everyone was here for FreeMan, so naturally, I sided with the team that worked in my favor.

As for Hogan, I couldn’t bother with too much about him. And sure enough, after my piece, Shirley was all smiles, “Ms. March, always so understanding: what do you think, Mr. Zade?”

His calm gaze landed on my face without a ripple. After a two–second pause, I heard Hogan say. “Alright, but it gotta stop before we get tipsy.

And so, the drinking began. The vintage wine was top–notch, but starting to drink was easy; stopping, not so much.

Added to that President Stapleton, who could talk your ear off with a bottomless capacity for booze. His toasting was relentless, and after a while, both Zachary and I were struggling to

keep up.

Hogan, though, was sticking to his guns, sipping away quietly.

Shirley caught on to that and scooted her wooden chair closer to Hogan, pouring wine and starting in. “Mr. Zade, you know, when I first saw you, I was totally wowed.”

laying her heart

this drop–dead gorgeous?” Shirley leaned in closer, “Cecilia’s one lucky lady.”

bent to pick it up without making a fuss, but caught a glimpse of Shirley, swinging

Hogan? He remained as detached

have had a bit too much; would you mind walking

couldn’t be more

Hogan and quickly looked away. At times like this, Zachary and

an excuse to duck out, Hogan’s voice reached my ears again, “Ms.

feared came true. Shirley wanted Hogan, and if I messed this up for her. there was no way we’d talk

pretended to be drunk, ‘Sorry President Stapleton, I’m

how to duck. As I got up, I clearly saw a flash of approval in Shirley’s eyes.

docomo

Charter 131

hid out in the restroom for a good twenty minutes. By that time. Hogan must have left the

Hogan was, if he didn’t want to, he’d have a hundred ways to turn Shirley down; not