Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 147

A wave of shame like I’d never felt before was gnawing at my chest. I pinched the palm of my hand hard, forcing myself to chill out, “Mr. Zade, are you looking to make a deal with me?”

I didn’t realize until I spoke that my voice was shaking.

“If so,” I took a deep breath, trying to sound more casual, “I’ve got a

better idea.”

I met Hogan’s gaze head–on and said it straight. After all, I’d got nothing to lose at this point.

But Hogan looked at me like I’d just said something out of this world, silently staring.

This time I didn’t back down but smiled and said, “Mr. Zade, you’ve been through hell and back dealing with President Stapleton just to find FreeMan in the guest list, right? I’m down to be your human shield, and I’m cool with you handing the credit over to Cecilia, but I’ve got one condition.”

I paused, and then added, “We team up, and once we get a hold of FreeMan himself, I get some one–on–one time with him.”

If the competition’s outcome was already written in stone, I might as well play my cards right and secure FreeMan’s backing for future collaborations.

of me suddenly clammed up. Agreed or disagreed, Hogan didn’t show his hand

rush him, and just sat there quietly, holding

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for him to break the silence.

heard him say, word by word, “So, you want to make

standoff. When I glanced at Hogan with the corner of my eye, he was cracking his knuckles.

keep his cool. But what was he holding back for? This deal should be win–win for both of us.

Zade, you can use me as your shield to deal with President Stapleton and smoothly fulfill Director Irwin’s

with one stone?”

so abruptly that it caught me off guard, and I

his chiseled face had lost any trace of warmth, replaced by

you really think you’re something, don’t

say another word. It wasn’t until the door slammed shut that I deflated like

was toL

one over on Hogan After all, his