Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33 

Cor de board my chat with Candy 

BUL 11 9080 100 15390d a bit more, she would’ve known my endgame was to make a mountain 

Out 

L 

It was to disse when colleagues didn’t see eye to eye, but I didn’t expect her to drag Hogan 

Since she heard it. Hesan must’ve had his ears wide open, making Candy and me look like we MERE BIG–POLINUS A. Coworker behind their back. 

a 

Cand probably don’t see this coming either. She whispered. “Xaviera, if someone’s gotta take the foll 

I shot her a look and soothed “1 got this.” 

Then headed over to the duo 

When our eyes met. I said to Cecilia. “My bad, I should’ve handled things better. Sorry for the 

Subcenty, Cecila’s eyes welled up, and tears started falling like pearls off a string. 

She was naturally fair and delicate, and now all teary–eyed, she looked pitiful 

it tugged at your heartstrings. 

Then Hogan whipped out his handkerchief and shot me a look before scoffing, “Ms. March, your skills are know backing aren’t they?” 

His voice was low, but it was wrapped in a chill commanding respect without even trying. 

And there he went, playing the protector again. 

“Sorry, Xaviera, I just couldn’t keep it together.” Cecilia choked up, her voice trembling, “Hogan, let it go.” 

“Director Irwin, I’m the one who talked smack, why are you making Xaviera pay for it?” 

Candy suddenly burst out from behind me, letting Cecilia have it. 

Cecilia’s eyes went wide, and she looked at Candy, mouth agape, unsure what to say next. 

Even more upset now. 

I was about to play peacemaker when Hogan said, “Easy fox. You apologize to Cecilia, then. resign.” 

Resign? 

12-18 

Chapter 33 

Hogan was actually suggesting firing Candy. 

I always thought he kept work and personal separate, but there he was, as an investor in the project, meddling in our company affairs for Cecilia’s sake. 

Didn’t see that one coming. 

I knew he was a man of his word, so I tried to reason, “Mr. Zade, at the end of the day, this was on me. Let’s head back and…” 

“I’m saying.” Hogan cut me off coldly, “fire her.” 

My words got stuck in my throat. 

It was like swallowing a fishbone by accident – not deadly, but enough to throw me into a moment of panic and frustration. 

That was when I realized, I had no sway in front of Hogan. 

Not compared to Cecilia’s plight. 

I managed a weak smile and said, “Mr. Zade, hold your horses, I’ll talk to President Lott later.” 

“Then do me a favor and tell President Lott, if she’s still here tomorrow,” Hogan said, glancing at Candy, “our partnership is as good as over.” 

With that, he walked off with Cecilia. 

I was thunderstruck, rooted to the spot, unable to utter a word. 

So, was Hogan pulling his funding over a couple of snide remarks about Cecilia? 

“Hogan, let it go, I won’t take it to heart.” 

Her soft voice brought me back to reality. My clenched hands flexed and relaxed as I faintly heard Hogan say, “You’re too kind, but now’s not the time for mercy.” 

Yeah, in Hogan’s eyes, Cecilia was the gentle soul, and we were the baddies. 

I didn’t catch up with Wallis until 9:30 that night. 

She was decked out in an off–white trench coat and towering heels, looking stunning and fierce. Seeing me, she grinned, “It’s just a little hiccup, Xaviera. We’ll stand tall together.”