Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 172

Under Cecilia’s suggestion, Hogan finally gave in and agreed to head over with me.

But just before we entered, he gave me another heads–up.

I knew he had made a concession, so I geared myself up to be on my A–game.

What took us all by surprise was that Timothy was also there.

Upon seeing us, both Timothy and Sean were visibly taken aback.

Sean, a seasoned player in the business world, paused for a brief two seconds before extending a courteous hand towards Hogan, buttering him up with, “Mr. Zade, what an honor! A VIP visit and not a peep beforehand – I would’ve rolled out the red carpet for you.”

Hogan, cool as a cucumber as always, cut straight to the chase, “Mr. Abbott, you’re too kind. We came especially to see Mr. FreeMan.”

At the mention of FreeMan, Sean’s face stiffened, and he started to stumble over his words, “Mr. Zade, what are you talking about? It’s just me and Timothy here, not FreeMan in sight.”

Hogan didn’t beat around the bush with Sean, simply stating. “Mr. Abbott, this morning Rainbow Capital just inked a deal with Lucky Star.”

The subtext was clear – Hogan had dug up Sean’s lodging records at Lucky Star like an open book.

Sean, no fool himself, let out a weary sigh and said with a flattering tone. “You’re on the ball, Mr. Zade. Come, come, let’s sit and talk.”

He bowed ever so slightly, showing a decent dose of humility:

We were then ushered into the living room.

we all sat down, Sean seemed a bit out of his element, his hand trembling slightly as he passed Hogan a glass

brow furrowed ever so slightly

a potential collaboration. Or I should call you FreeMan,” he

Chapter 172

half a brain could tell he was hinting at Timothy.

nose, said, “Don’t take offense, Mr. Zade. Timothy and I go way back – thick as thieves since we were kids.

professionally, he’s not an

respond but shot Cecilia a

Sean with a sweet,

drafted.”

interest and sighed, “I won’t lie to you, Mr. Zade. It’s been a busy year, and I’m afraid

An outright rejection.

as she quickly said, “Hold your horses, Mr. Abbott. Take a gander at

raised an eyebrow, intrigued, “Oh? Care to

“In a nutshell,

match.”

No other company,

over that bold statement, a shadow of unease creeping into my

rarely hold water in the

a smirk, “Which are?”

interest, confidently beamed, “First, in terms of compensation, Mr. Zade recognizes your talent and ability and is willing to offer you a salary

– an enticing figure indeed.

for someone like FreeMan, as far as I knew Sean,

“And the second?”

us, you’ll have complete creative