Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 8

My perfectly disguised mood cracked just a tad in that second. I forced a smile and said, "Let's do it your way, Mr. Zade."

Just like Hogan wanted, Cecilia moved into the office.

Wallis, who had rushed over, pulled me down to the coffee shop and griped, "This isn't investment; it's a complete torture."

I kept my cool and replied, "It's just an office space, no big deal."

Wallis took a sip of her coffee, frowning, and said, "Aren't you worried this is just the tip of the iceberg? How can I relax and go on a business trip now?"

I dodged the bullet, "Don't forget, Hogan is an investor. Would he let his money go down the drain?"

Neither would Cecilia.

She still needed this project for her graduation thesis, after all.

Besides, it was normal for the moneybags to want to meddle a bit.

Back at the office, I called Jack and Cecilia for a meeting and delegated tasks with my usual composure.

Jack got cracking right away, but Cecilia bit her lip, looking like she had something to say but hesitated.

I looked at her and asked, "What's up?"

"Xaviera, I don't have experience with front-end development."

Surprised, because I thought software students would get hands-on practice at school, I picked up a related book from my desk and said, "Start with this, and ask me if there's anything you don't understand."

Cecilia murmured a soft yes and headed back to her desk.

I dove back into my work.

Next thing I knew, the city lights were on, and after a quick tidy-up, I was out the door.

I had to hit the mall before it closed to pick up an air purifier.

The mall was bustling. I had just stepped off the escalator when I heard my name called from the side.

"Xaviera."

I turned around, puzzled, and saw her, two meters away, the woman in the dark red velvet dress cinched at the waist, Hilary Zade.

Hogan's mother.

Or that Hogan had moved on to Cecilia.

His new prized possession.

"Xaviera?" Hilary tried to probe when I didn't respond, "You and Hogan..."

"Mrs. Hilary, don't worry about me," I cut her off, meeting her gaze, and declined, "I'm already seeing someone."

See, two years with Wallis, and I'd gotten pretty good at spinning tales.

Hilary visibly relaxed at my words, but then, a flicker of panic crossed her face.

"Hogan, why are you here early?"

I followed her gaze and sure enough, there was Hogan, a few steps away.

Dressed to the nines in a sleek tuxedo, he had an air of aloofness like he'd just stepped out of a magazine, strikingly handsome.

He was staring straight at me.

But the smirk on his face was unmistakably mocking.