Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 139

Hogan’s all business attitude and unflappable tone really brought his ironclad persona to life. Made sense, with Cecilia in the picture, Hogan was practically an island- no water could soak him, no wind could break him down.

Shirley must’ve caught onto that; her voice came off way stiffer than before. “So what if I refuse to partner up with Rainbow Capital?”

Looked like she was ticked off, Refusing was just another form of threat, wasn’t it?

Shirley was still a woman after all, letting her emotions called the shots. She just didn’t get Hogan.

Next thing I heard was the man’s bland response. “You certainly have the right to refuse. President Stapleton, but as far as I know, Lucky Star’s financial statements have been on the downside since last year, and the cash flow situation isn’t looking too hot.”

Well that was news to me. Looked like Hogan did his homework before showing up.

“So what?” Shirley was back in the game, negotiating, “There are plenty of fish in the investment sea; Rainbow Capital ain’t the only one with deep pockets.”

not

write that check.” Hogan was still as cool as a cucumber. “President Stapleton, I know it’s tough for you to hand

seeing the face–off between Hogan and Shirley,

had this one

softened, mixed with a hint of bitterness, “If that’s the case, why

silence. A few seconds later, Hogan said: “I

self–deprecating chuckle came from inside; I hear Shirley laugh, “Turns

but I couldn’t join in. Because soon enough, I

why drag me into this charade for the past couple

in, ostensibly to deal with Shirley, but really, he had it

played, and I was just an insignificant pawn in this standoff game. All because Hogan needed to snag that guest list for Cecilia, to secure a

hotel staff and quickly packed

in this competition, I’d lost to Cecilia. Lost big