Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19 

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

Honestly, I 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 I got all petty now, that would look bad on me. 

After much thought, I 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? 

I 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. 

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

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

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

After collecting the dough, I thought about saying thanks, but as I started typing, I hesitated. 

With the way things were between us, even one extra word seemed out of place. 

So, I ended up saying nothing. 

Omeone 

The next day, business as usual at the office, but I 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 I take a half–day off?” 

I secretly breathed a sigh of relief. 

So she just wanted time off. 

Before I could reply, Cecilia added, “Hogan’s mom invited me for tea, and I just don’t know how to say no.” 

She looked down, all helpless. 

She didn’t need to spill the beans to me, but I 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.” 

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

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

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

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

Her accusing tone, paired with her booming voice, sounded like fury was about to burst through the phone. 

Confused, I 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?” 

I 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 I could hear Cecilia’s timid apologies. 

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