Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 19

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Chapter 19 | was zoning out staring at Hogan's profile pic.

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

After much thought, | 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? | didn’t say much, just shot over a question mark.

Then a voice message popped up.

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“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; | hit accept on that payment.

No one ever complained about having too much cash, right? And if | didn’t take it, Hogan would probably be restless.

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

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

So, | ended up saying nothing.

Omeone The next day, business as usual at the office, but | 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 | take a half-day off?" | secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

So she just wanted time off.

Before | could reply, Cecilia added, “Hogan's mom invited me for tea, and | just don’t know how to say no.” She looked down, all helpless.

She didn’t need to spill the beans to me, but | 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 | was just playing nice because of the cash, Plus, I'd already finished the work she had on her plate, so no delays there.

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

“Xaviera, you've really done me dirty, haven't you? And | trusted you so much!” Her accusing tone, paired with her booming voice, sounded like fury was about to burst through the phone.

Confused, | 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?” | 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 | could hear Cecilia's timid apologies.

Rubbing my temples, | said, “Mrs. Hilary, hold on. I'll come over now.” Some things just couldn't be settled over the phone.

Fifteen minutes later, | rushed to the fancy cafe where Hilary and Cecilia were.

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From a distance, | saw Cecilia with her head hung low, sitting across from a fuming Hilary, her face ashen.

The vibe was anything but chill.

“Mrs. Hilary.” | sat down and pushed aside the coffee in OR NAV 0 Ma ter, “A low—sugar juice for this lady, please.” Hilary got a bad heart, and the doc told her to lay off the coffee.

Seeing my gesture, Hilary cooled down and said gruffly, ‘Hogapysyeing a fool, andyoute oiifg in the nbnsknse. How could you agree to have this person under your watch?” She shot Cecilia a look.

Cecilia turned pale, biting her lip tightly.

| sighed and said, “Mrs. Hilary, it's our fault for keeping it payee but Ms.

Irwin wag [ostr6l ing Mr. Zade's instructions. She's not to blame.” Hilary looked at me in disbelief and asked, “Doesn't it bother you?” | forced a smile and said. “Mr. Zade’s generous. I'm too busy being grateful to be bothered.” Chapter

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Echoes of Unrequited Love

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