Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 138

docomo

| nonchalantly rocked up to the hot spring about ten minutes later.

The water was warm and comly, soaking into my skin like sweet nectar, washing away the bone—deep chill | had.

But for the longest time, it was just me in the spring. Just when I started to feel that something was off, Zachary and Shirley hurried over.

“President Stapleton, my apologies. Zachary said with a tone full of regret, “Mr. Zade has been swamped with work for the past couple of years, and it’s taken a toll on his stomach. Had a bit too much to drink last night and caught a cold. He wouldn’t have just taken off without saying goodbye unless he was feeling downright awful.”

Took off without saying goodbye? So Hogan, he'd already left the hot spring? Just like that. without even a heads—up?

Shirley clearly looked peeved but still made nice. “You know, everyone has their off days. How about this, I'll send a doc over to check on Mr. Zade in person,”

“President Stapleton’s always thinking ahead.” Zachary kept up his smile, “I'll thank you on Mr. Zade’s behall then, After saying his piece and checking his watch, Zachary rushed off with a sense of urgency that didn’t seem faked. Could Hogan really be under the weather? But just before in the changing room, he seemed well.

The image of a broad, warm chest flashed through my mind, probably from soaking in the spring, because my face suddenly felt like it was on fire.

“Ms. March,” Shirley's question snapped me out of it, “don’t you think Mr. Zade’s ‘sickness’ is a bit too convenient?”

| paused, well aware that Shirley wasn’t the kind to be easily fooled. But we definitely weren't about to sit down and dish about another man’s affairs.

Seeing | didn’t respond, Shirley gave a sarcastic smirk, “Alright, with Mr. Zade gone. I’m not in the mood either. Knock yourself out, Ms. March.”

With that, she turned and left me with her crisp exit. Had a bit of that Wallis spunk, she did.

It was an hour later when | finally left the hot spring. During that hour, | came to a clear conclusion — trying to find out where FreeMan was through Shirley was going to be a dead end. And as for Hogan, his mind was on Cecilia, so he probably wouldn't be of any help either. | had to rely on myself.

While | was pondering my next move. | bumped into Zachary, of all people. He was carrying a docomo

pharmacy bag- | caught a glimpse of the name.

“Xaviera,” Zachary was just as surprised, “How are you feeling now?”

| was confused, “Feeling how?”

Scratching his head, Zachary explained. “I just picked up some meds from the pharmacy, Mr. Zade asked me to get some cold and fever stuff for you.”

“For me?” | was incredulous, “Are you sure you heard right?”All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“Xaviera, I've been with Mr. Zade for over a year; you think | wouldn’t have that much insight?”

| was at a loss for words.

Zachary glanced at me, sighed and said, “Mr. Zade’s still got a stomachache. Xaviera, could you do me a favor and deliver the meds to him?”

| looked at Zachary skeptically but then heard him add, “I’m going to check the restaurant for some stomach-friendly porridge for Mr. Zade.

Thoughtful, indeed. | hesitated for a couple of seconds, remembering the changing room, and then took the bag of medicine. Shortly after. | approached Hogan’s thatched cottage with the meds, jittery. Before | got close. | could hear voices inside. “President Stapleton, | appreciate the gesture, but I’ve already devoted to someone else. Please understand.”

| stopped dead in my tracks. Then Shirley’s voice reached my ear, “We both know the real reason Mr. Zade is here. And you know, | never expected a forever: just once...”

“President Stapleton, please speak with discretion.” Hogan cut her off sternly. “You should be aware that I’m here with full sincerity to discuss a collaboration with you. As the representative, | believe you should seriously consider the potential of our partnership.”