Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 130

Hogan’s sharpness totally knocked my socks off. | thought at most he’d chalk my actions up to sucking up to a young hotshot CEO. But now, it seemed like he’d got my number—figured out my little game.

Life was all about acting, though, right? When it was our turn to take the stage, we gotta play the part to aT.

Considering Hogan was the money man, | played it cool to keep things smooth on the surface, flashing a grin and saying, “Cut it out. Mr. Zade. Even if you grant me the chance, | wouldn't dare to pull your leg.”

“Really?” He shot back with a look that could drill holes, “I beg to differ

That confident tone of his sent a flutter through my chest. Curling my fingers. | spoke one way and thought another. “Of course, and you seemed pretty down to play along just now, didn’t you, Mr. Zade?”

Hearing that, Hogan’s expression faltered, and he clammed up.

I'd admit, there was a hint of snark in my words. Seeing my chance to bow out gracefully. | glanced over at Shirley in the distance and said, “President Stapleton is calling me over; | gotta

jet.” Compared to Hogan, getting in good with Shirley was top of the to-do list.

At the restaurant, by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Hogan and Shirley took the seats of honor at the antique, fancy long table, while me and Zachary faced them from across.

The table was a feast for the eyes, and the ’85 Lafite had been uncorked and allowed to breathe well ahead of time. Every detail screamed luxury and class, showing the host’s sincerity.

After a beat, Shirley gave the waiter a nod, signaling to pour Hogan a glass. Hogan raised his hand just a bit, politely saying. “Sorry, Mr. Zade, she runs a tight ship.”

His words caught both Shirley and me off guard. No explanation needed, Cecilia was this “she” Hogan referred to.

The fact that Hogan was this whipped even when out and about was quite the jaw—dropper. | had to tip my hat to Cecilia — girl knew how to keep her man in line.

Anyone else might have blown their top hearing that response, but not Shirley. She took the decanter from the waiter with a warm smile and cooed, “With such a perfect setting, it'd be a shame not to drink up. Mr. Zade. Right, Ms. March?”

| was caught off guard by Shirley suddenly putting me on the spot. | knew messing up my answer could land me on Shirley's blacklist faster than one could say “cheers*. But | couldn’t afford to tick off Hogan either.

Weighing my options, | decided to toss the ball back into Hogan’s court, “President Stapleton 18:51 w?

ducomo

Chanie 110

makes a good point, but Mr. Zade is also known for his self-discipline.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Is that so?” Shirley said with a sly grin, “Mr. Zade, are you really gonna snub the effort | put into this feast? Is my wine not up to par, or is it me you're not keen on?”

That was a sticky wicket, especially since Shirley delivered it with a mix of sweet and sassy — a combo most folks would find hard to resist. | silently crossed my fingers for Hogan, but the next second, | heard him say, “Why the silent treatment, Ms. March? President

Stapleton is talking to you.

Hogan must've misread the room, because Shirley was clearly asking him, not me. | suddenly realized | was being thrown under the bus by Hogan again.

Looking up at him, | saw him casually sipping his tea with a laid-back air. Looked like | was being set up as a no-hoper, eh? Well then, no hard feelings if | didn’t play nice.

“Mr. Zade,” | said, keeping my voice even but stern, “given President Stapleton’s kind gesture, it'd be pretty rude not to have at least one drink.”

As soon as my words hit the air, | heard a thud — Hogan's tea cup had been set down gently yet firmly on the table. Seemed like he wasn’t too pleased.

| had no choice but to elaborate, “Plus, President Stapleton and Director Irwin are thick as thieves. With Director Irwin’s generous nature, she surely won’t hold it against you.