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Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 

I went back to my place boiling with anger

After coming out of the bathroom, I noticed my phone lighting up like a Christmas tree. It wasn’t until I got closer that I could see the number flashing on the screen

Curse my good memoryI recognized it as Hogan’s number in a heartbeat

But why the sudden call at this hour

After hesitating for a few seconds, I answered the call anyway

Are you home?The man’s voice was hoarse, tinged with weariness

Playing dumb, I asked, Who’s this?” 

There was a pause on the other end before I heard Hogan ask, Xaviera, did you delete my number too?” 

Deleted. Two years ago

And I never saved it again

He should have seen it coming: Hogan was smart enough to figure that out

Rubbing my temples, I asked, Is there something you need, Mr. Zade?” 

Then Hogan went silent

肯 

With the wind chill from my walk home giving me a splitting headache, my patience was thinner than usual. He wasn’t talking, and I wasn’t in the mood to wait, so I said, If there’s nothing else, I’m going to get some rest.” 

histone 

Add me back on your WhatsApp friend list,Hogan finally spoke, his tone on the gruffer side

Then my hand froze midtemple rub

Then I heard him say, Today’s effort shouldn’t go to waste for you, Ms. March.” 

Ah, that’s what this was about

He was calling to pass on Cecilia’s thanks

I wasn’t sure exactly which incident he meant

But whatever it was, I wasn’t about to turn down a perk that landed in my lap

I flattered, Mr. Zade, you’re too kind. Just a moment.” 

Before I could finish, he had already hung up

12 

12:18 

Moments later, a notification popped upa transfer notification

Followed by a voice message

Just as I was about to play it, the message was retracted

After a twosecond ponder, I sent Hogan a bowing emoji as a thank you

Suddenly, I didn’t feel so choked up inside

Thanks to Cecilia

The next day was business as usual at work. As soon as I walked into the office, Zora at the front desk told me, Xaviera, Director Irwin is in the meeting room; the meeting starts at ten.” 

I was a bit dazed

When I saw Cecilia in the meeting room, she explained, Xaviera, you forgot? The interface color adjustment we discussed yesterday.” 

She spoke so naturally, and just so happened to be overheard by Candy walking into the meeting room

Candy, our art department head, a young art school grad about Cecilia’s age, looked at me and asked, Xaviera, what’s this about?” 

I was planning to discuss this with Candy when Wallis got back, but it seemed the meeting couldn’t wait

So Cecilia, Candy. Jack, and I all entered the meeting room

After hearing the case. Candy exploded. I spent two whole months on that interface, and now just because she says so, we’re supposed to change it?” 

Her words were directed at me but her dissatisfaction was aimed at Cecilia

Just as I was about to explain, Cecilia spoke up. This decision was made by Mr. Zade, Xaviera, and myself. If you’re getting paid, shouldn’t you be willing to make the changes?” 

Her tone was gentle, but between the lines, there was an unusual air of haughtiness

Candy, incredulous, retorted, So what? Throwing money around is impressive? I’m not unwilling to change it, but I just think the pink is tacky, you get that?” 

Cecilia’s cheeks flushed a fiery red, Without funding, this project wouldn’t even be possible.” 

Hearing that, I inwardly cursed. Before I could intervene, I saw Candy stand up, Whoever wants to do it, do it. I’m not your maid!” 

I hurried to stop her but heard Cecilia’s sobs behind me

Turning around, I saw her in tears

I sighed, handing her a tissue, and gently said, Director Irwin, I know you’re thinking of the project, but we’re all on the same team here, and we need to be more careful with our words.” 

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