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Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36 

Just my luck, it had to be after that incident

Cecilia’s greeting snapped me out of my reverie

Wallis and I exchanged a look before she opened the door

Cecilia handed over a box of cakes with a gentle smile. President Lott, Xaviera, I picked out this gift especially for you two.” 

Wallis chuckled in response. Director Irwin, you’re too kind.” 

Cecilia’s eyes crinkled with mirth, President Lott, Xaviera, I mishandled things earlier, please don’t take it to heart. I’ve already smoothed things over with Hogan, let’s all work together and shine bright from now on.” 

She finished with a playful but earnest fist pump, making it hard to hold a grudge

But when did she talk to Hogan about this

Last night,Cecilia blinked her large eyes and said, I messaged you, Xaviera, didn’t you see?” 

I fished out my phone and checked the notifications, indeed there was a message from Cecilia

[Xaviera, Hogan has agreed.

It was sent shortly after I left Mountain Villa

At that time, my mind was in a whirl, I hadn’t noticed

So, Hogan had let things slide only after Cecilia’s intervention

I felt like I had cotton stuffed in my chest, making it hard to breathe

Wallis texted me. [Anyhow, glad that’s settled Clear your evening schedule, I’m taking you out to unwind.

With the front and back ends of the project still incomplete, I wasn’t ip the mood

Wallis insisted, [Xaviera, after this ordeal, I’ve realized something we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes for investors too. So, you have to join tonight’s banquet.

That’s when I caught on to Wallisplan

I must say, when it comes to making money, she was a real role model

I agreed

The banquet was set at the Bluebell Bistro & Bar, a goto for Rivertown’s elite events

Everything from the hotel’s facilities to the dessert trays was exquisite

Thanks to Wallis, in my halfyear at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here often enough to become a bit of a food snob

Chapter 36 

Heard that Michelin chef went back home to get hitched.Wallis handed me a raspberry mousse and said, The new chef’s skills are a bit off.” 

I sipped my juice and asked, What about that Rich Man? Has he shown up?” 

Wallis scanned the crowd, then glanced at her watch and said, What’s the rush? Big shots usually make a grand late entrance. Let’s snack first.” 

I was about to grab another bagel when I heard Wallis exclaim, Here comes the moneybags!” 

I followed her starstruck gaze and sure enough, spotted the middleaged man in a suit, looking like Winnie the Pooh, not too far away

We made a beeline for him

Mr. Bishop, good to see you,Wallis greeted with eager warmth, We are,” 

Before she could finish, Frank had turned away

We were straightup ghosted by the big shot

But then, I heard Frank call out a familiar name

Looking up, there was Darren shaking hands with our cash cow

Darren saw me too

His warm gaze flashed with surprise, his smile spilling over

at are you 

Darren knows Frank?Wallis, ever the bloodhound, elbowed me, waiting for? Go 

for it.” 

We immediately positioned ourselves before Frank and Darren

Darren looked me over and complimented, You look lovely tonight.” 

I was in a simple black dress, nothing special, but with Darren’s words, I felt a touch 

embarrassed and returned the compliment. You’re quite dashing yourself tonight, Darren.” 

I was only stating the obvious; this was my first time seeing Darren in formal attire

Frank, seeing our chummy demeanor, asked Darren, Your girlfriend?” 

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