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.

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

his brow furrowed ever so slightly when his gaze swept

should call you FreeMan,” he said, exuding an air of authority. “I believe

Chapter 172

with half a brain

“Don’t take offense, Mr. Zade. Timothy and I go way back

not

shot Cecilia

Sean with a sweet, cooing voice, “Mr. Abbott,

drafted.”

sighed, “I won’t lie to you, Mr. Zade. It’s

An outright rejection.

as she quickly said, “Hold your horses, Mr. Abbott. Take a gander at the contract. I’m

Care to enlighten me, Ms. Irwin?”

off guard, Cecilia froze for a good few seconds before stuttering out, “In a nutshell,

match.”

No other company,

a shadow of unease creeping into

in the world of collaboration.

into a smirk, “Which

in terms of compensation, Mr. Zade recognizes your talent and ability and is willing to offer you a salary that’s 40%

an enticing

Cecilia, but for someone like FreeMan,

“And the second?”

you collaborate with us, you’ll have complete creative control over