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.”

was not

cool as a cucumber. “President Stapleton, I know it’s tough for you to hand over a guest list, but if we’re talking partnership, that changes things. As stakeholders, we’d have the right to look at any relevant documents:

seeing the face–off between Hogan and Shirley, I

one in

you came prepared from day one.” Shirley’s tone softened, mixed with a hint of bitterness, “If that’s the case, why

room fell into a brief silence. A few seconds later, Hogan said: “I definitely have to take her feelings into

came from inside; I hear Shirley laugh, “Turns out

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

Hogan had everything planned out from the get–go, why drag me into this charade for the past

Hogan roped me in, ostensibly to deal with Shirley, but really, he had it all

snag that guest list for Cecilia, to secure a

off the meds to the hotel staff and quickly packed up, ready to

in this competition, I’d lost to Cecilia.