Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 134

As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized I was oozing displeasure.

Zachary picked up on it too. His smile froze for a sec, and he tried to smooth things over, “Got it, hangovers are brutal. You were also taking quite a few for Mr. Zade last night, probably still recovering.”

His words seemed more for Hogan’s benefit than mine.

Given our business ties, I couldn’t just throw shade, so I went along with Zachary, saying. “Indeed, I’ll excuse myself.”

“Shouldn’t you grab something to eat first, with a hangover and all?”

His icy tone hit me, and I looked up to see Hogan still sitting there, stone–faced. Maybe it was the aftereffects of the booze, but he looked pale, his sharp profile exuding a distant. unapproachable air.

At the thought of the chat I’d overheard, my heart sank bit by bit. Yeah. Hogan, always on top of the game, even at the poker table he was the one setting the rules. Was him inviting me to dine some kind of favor?

I couldn’t help but tug the corners of my lips, keeping my distance. “Thanks for the offer, Mr. Zade, but I’ll pass.

open the door, only to hear him grumble, “Xaviera, have I

Hogan, I saw him staring at me intently with

and a dull pain struck my chest, I couldn’t help but retort, “You’ve got quite the sense of humor, Mr.

me? That was rich coming from Hogan.

Mr. Zade’s”

off, dead serious, “Call me Ms.

word I spoke, the anger in his eyes deepened. But I was at my limit.

this far,

was a standoff, silent, Hogan and I just staring at each other, neither of

bubbly voice filtered in, “Mr. Zade,

a mess. It was like whatever I

docomo

OKIOMI 134

first thing in the morning, I’d be screwed, unable to clear my name even if I put all my efforts

not up yet?”