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.

of his element, his hand trembling slightly as he passed Hogan a glass of water, quite

his brow furrowed ever so slightly when his gaze swept

tacks with you, Mr. Abbott, about a potential collaboration. Or I should call you FreeMan,” he said, exuding an air of authority. “I believe it’s best for unrelated parties to step out for a

Chapter 172

half a brain could tell he was hinting

and, after scratching his nose, said, “Don’t take offense, Mr. Zade. Timothy and I go way

professionally, he’s not

didn’t respond but shot Cecilia

handed over a document to Sean with a sweet, cooing voice, “Mr. Abbott, please take a moment to review the partnership proposal

drafted.”

without much interest and sighed, “I won’t lie to you, Mr. Zade. It’s been a busy year, and I’m afraid I might let you down.”

An outright rejection.

flustered as she quickly said, “Hold your horses, Mr. Abbott. Take a gander at the contract. I’m sure you’ll be pleased once you

intrigued, “Oh? Care

seconds before stuttering out, “In a nutshell, the two conditions we’ve proposed are something

match.”

No other company,

mulled over that bold statement, a shadow

in

lips curled into a smirk, “Which are?”

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

an enticing

but for someone like FreeMan, as far as

“And the second?”

us, you’ll have complete creative control