Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 144

Chapter 144 

The awkward drinking session got a bit lighter when Timothy rolled 

1. in. 

After some small talk, Shirley ordered the server to pour the drinks. But when it was my turn, Timothy put the kibosh on it. 

“Xavierȧ is still nursing a foot injury, better stick to juice,” he said, giving the server the eye. Casual as he was, there was an 

unspoken assertiveness in his actions. 

Obviously, I couldn’t just opt–out. With bigwigs like Hogan and Shirley around, I wasn’t in a position to stay dry. 

Before I could object, Shirley chimed in, “Mr. Temple, aren’t you a bit too caring for Ms. March? I’ve never seen you so attentive to any girl before.” 

After that, her eyes darted towards me, loaded with insinuation. 

Timothy, all grins, looked at me and said, “Speaking of which, the reason Xaviera can’t drink is all President Stapleton’s fault, so quit stirring the pot.” 

His careless tone paired with that seemingly innocent face made it hard for anyone to fault him. Shirley seemed a bit thrown off, waving her hand and saying, “Alright, alright, my bad. I’ll take a penalty drink, okay?” 

As she spoke, she already had her glass in hand. 

I was about to intervene when Timothy said, “It’s just a joke. Don’t take it seriously, President Stapleton.” 

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Shirley rolled her eyes at Timothy, teasing, “So you’re picking on me. on purpose. Mr. Zade, Look, I make one little comment about Ms. March, and Mr. Temple jumps to her defense with ten.” 

Her playful tone seemed to be flirting with Hogan. 

Hogan, who had been silent, glanced at me and said flatly, “We owe President Stapleton for her hospitality at Pinecrest Hollow. Ms. March, you should show your gratitude.” 

It seemed Hogan was hinting for me to toast Shirley, probably because Timothy had just undercut her. 

Logically, as a mere project manager visiting the company, it made sense for me to toast the boss. But coming from Hogan, it turned into more of an order. Plus, he knew about my ankle injury. 

Although the swelling had gone down a bit after a good night’s sleep, it was still a sprain, and staying away from alcohol was the 

wise choice. 

It was infuriating. Annoyed as I was, I still picked up my glass, 

“President Stapleton, I owe you one for the Pinecrest Hollow trip, so here’s to you.” 

I hadn’t even brought the glass to my lips when Timothy snatched it 

away. 

“Why won’t you listen, Xaviera?” He said, exasperated, glancing at Shirley, “Here, I’ll drink this one for her.” 

No sooner had he said this than he tipped his head back and downed it. He shook the empty glass and said coolly, “How’s that for sincerity?” 

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Shirley forced a laugh, “Oh, Mr. Temple, it’s not like we’re ganging up on Ms. March.”