Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 44

Hogan rolled in with Zachary.

Honestly, the moment those trust fund brats started trash-talking Hogan, | had this bad feeling creeping up on me.

The Rivertown circle was small, and since they were both in the investment game, bumping into each other was common. But of course, today of all days, it had to happen.

Right when | was bad—mouthing him, no less.

| was a tad embarrassed, but then | remembered discussing the whole bringing in new investors thing with Hogan, so | quickly got my act together.

But that composure cracked a bit when Hogan came over with a drink and planted himself next tome.

That perfect not-too—close-yet-not-too-far distance, his expression unreadable, showing zero emotion except for that sharp, soapy scent of his that was practically barging into my nostrils.

Feeling uneasy, | clutched my glass tighter and threw Wallis a look for backup.

Hogan slowly parted his lips, “Ms. March, do tell, how exactly am I not doing my job?”

His voice was deep, steady, and sounded pretty chill.

But there was a hint of mockery in those eyes of his as he looked at me.

With his status, once he spoke up, the others zipped it.

They sure knew how to read the room.

In a flash, the whole buzzing atmosphere got smothered by this heavy tension.

All eyes on me, the pressure was cranked up my way.

| figured Hogan was out to make me squirm.

| pinched my palm and confessed, “Mr. Zade, if | had to point out a flaw, it’s probably that you are a bit too stingy.” At that, Hogan’s brows did a little dance.

And the faces around were holding back grins, waiting to see his reaction.

The man swirled his wine glass and asked, “Think the money is not enough?”

| couldn't just blurt out in front of everyone that Hogan threw us a cool five hundred thousand for Cecilia’s sake. That'd be like announcing through a megaphone that Hogan was like a tyrant totally bewitched.

Hogan rolled in with Zachary.

Honestly, the moment those trust fund brats started trash-talking Hogan, | had this bad feeling creeping up on me. The Rivertown circle was small, and since they were both in the investment game, bumping into each other was common. But of course, today of all days, it had to happen.

Right when | was bad—mouthing him, no less.

| was a tad embarrassed, but then | remembered discussing the whole bringing in new investors thing with Hogan, so | quickly got my act together.

But that composure cracked a bit when Hogan came over with a drink and planted himself next to me.

That perfect not-too—close-yet—not-too-far distance, his expression unreadable, showing zero emotion except for that sharp, soapy scent of his that was practically barging into my nostrils.

Feeling uneasy, | clutched my glass tighter and threw Wallis a look for backup.

Hogan slowly parted his lips, “Ms. March, do tell, how exactly am | not coing my job?”

His voice was deep, steady, and sounded pretty chill

But there was a hint of mockery in those eyes of his as he looked at me.

With his status, once he spoke up, the others zipped it.

They sure knew how to read the room.

In a flash, the whole buzzing atmosphere got smothered by this heavy tension.

All eyes on me, the pressure was cranked up my way.

1 figured Hogan was out to make me squirm.

| pinched my palm and confessed, “Mr. Zade, if | had to point out a flaw, it’s probably that you are a bit too stingy.” At that, Hogan’s brows did a little dance.

And the faces around were holding back grins, waiting to see his reaction.

The man swirled his wine glass and asked, “Think the money is not enough?”

| couldn't just blurt out in front of everyone that Hogan threw us a cool five hundred thousand for Cecilia’s sake. That’d be like announcing through a megaphone that Hogan was like a tyrant totally bewitched

by beauty.

| decided to double down on the blunder, “Yeah, when Mr. Bishop makes a move, he hits his targets big time.” Hogan’s swirling hand paused, and he let out a soft snort.Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

That was when Wallis Jumped In, “Xaviera, | can’t agree with that. Mr. Zade invested the five hundred thousand when we were out of options. It was like sending charcoal in snowy weather

less money but more meaningful.”

Frank raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Zade, not gonna clear the air?”

Hogan took a sip and said slowly, “Every project has its assessment criteria.” | almost burst out laughing.

Hogan’s ‘assessment criteria’ must be Cecilia, right?

“If ’m not mistaken, Mr. Zade, both you and Ms. March are graduates of N University?” Frank stirred up another convo, “Never bumped into each other back then?”

| took a sip and replied. “Not close.” As soon as | said that, | could feel the guy next to me drop in temperature.

But publicly denying our history, wasn’t that his favorite tactic?

Why did he seem upset now?

Wallis caught on too, chuckling, “Yeah, if we had known a big shot like Mr. Zade sooner, we'd be clinging to his coattails, right?” Nice save.

And just like that, the chat about judging Investors behind their backs was smoothly bypassed.

Later, we talked about this and that until | glanced out the window and saw the dry leaves soaked with rain. It started to rain.

“The roads are slick; if no one minds, you can all stay the night.”

It was late, and Frank, being considerate, had someone arrange rooms for each of us.

After the gathering, Wallis and | went to our rooms, and soon my phone rang unexpectedly.

Hogan’s call.

Guess he was on the warpath.

After an afternoon of fake smiles and Intense networking, | was beat, so | chose to Ignore it.

The call ended, but then a message popped up. Just three words, (Open the door.]

I shot up and tiptoed to the door, peeking through the peephole to see Hogan’s handsome face.

Thinking | was on Frank’s turf and didn’t want to stir up drama, | reluctantly cracked the door

open.

He caught my movement and his gaze met mine, naturally wedging his foot in the door as if he knew I'd slam it shut right away. “Something up?” | asked awkwardly.

Somehow, it felt like | was in the middle of a sneaky affair.

What a mess.

Hogan stared at me, a coldness in his eyes, and asked, “Xaviera, we're not close?”

| didn’t want to argue with Hogan.

After all, we were both guests of Frank that night, and it wouldn't be cool to cause a scene at the host's place.