Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 19

| was zoning out staring at Hogan’s profile pic.

Honestly, | was planning to give this friend request a pass.

But of course, Hogan had to be a big—shot Investor.

If he just wanted to talk shop and | got all petty now, that would look bad on me.

After much thought, | accepted the friend request.

And within moments, a transfer notification popped up unexpectedly.

Like, what’s up with this investor playing Santa late at night?

| didn’t say much, just shot over a question mark.

Then a voice message popped up.

“Compensation.”

Suddenly, that steamy kiss from last night flashed through my mind, and everything clicked. That investment banker sure knew how to play the generosity card.

| wasn’t shy; | hit accept on that payment.

No one ever complained about having too much cash, right?

And if | didn’t take it, Hogan would probably be restless.

After collecting the dough, | thought about saying thanks, but as | started typing, | hesitated. With the way things were between us, even one extra word seemed out of place.

So, | ended up saying nothing.

Omeone

The next day, business as usual at the office, but | couldn’t shake the feeling that from the tech department kept sneaking glances my way, like they were probing for something. It left a sour taste in my heart.

Post-lunch, Cecilia came up to me, “Xaviera, can | take a half-day off?”NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

| secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

So she just wanted time off.

Before | could reply, Cecilia added, “Hogan’s mom invited me for tea, and | just don’t know how to say no.” She looked down, all helpless.

She didn’t need to spill the beans to me, but | was cool about it, “No worries, go ahead. If it’s

Chapter Ty

late, feel free to call it a day.”

Cecilia looked up, her lashes fluttering, “You’re so understanding, Xaviera.”

| didn’t have the heart to tell her | was just playing nice because of the cash,

Plus, I'd already finished the work she had on her plate, so no delays there.

| figured my decision was fair and square, but it wasn’t long before | got a call from Hilary.

“Xaviera, you've really done me dirty, haven’t you? And | trusted you so much!”

Her accusing tone, paired with her booming voice, sounded like fury was about to burst through the phone. Confused, | asked, “What's going on?”

“Why didn’t you tell me Cecilia was working at your studio?” Hilary was fuming. “Are you and Hogan playing me for a fool?” | had seen this coming, but Hilary’s reproach still managed to stir up a sense of Injustice in me.

In a daze, it seemed like | could hear Cecilia’s timid apologies.

Rubbing my temples, | said, “Mrs. Hilary, hold on. I'll come over now.”

Some things just couldn’t be settled over the phone.

Fifteen minutes later, | rushed to the fancy cafe where Hilary and Cecilia were.

From a distance, | saw Cecilia with her head hung low, sitting across from a fuming Hilary, her face ashen. The vibe was anything but chill.

“Mrs. Hilary.” | sat down and pushed aside the coffee in front of Hilary, signalling to the waiter, “A low—sugar juice for this lady, please.”

Hilary got a bad heart, and the doc told her to lay off the coffee.

Seeing my gesture, Hilary cooled down and said gruffly, “Hogan’s being a fool, and you're joining in the nonsense. How could you agree to have this person under your watch?”

She shot Cecilia a look. Cecilia turned pale, biting her lip tightly.

| sighed and said, “Mrs. Hilary, it’s our fault for keeping it from you, but Ms. Irwin was just following Mr. Zade’s instructions. She’s not to blame.”

Hilary looked at me in disbelief and asked, “Doesn't it bother you?” | forced a smile and said. “Mr. Zade’s generous. I’m too busy being grateful to be bothered.”

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