Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 80

When it came to money, a crack inevitably appeared on Hogan's otherwise composed face, his brows furrowing even deeper in an instant.

| feigned nonchalance and quipped. “What’s the matter, Mr. Zade? Got cold feet?” The man lifted his eyelids, his eyes brimming with sarcasm, “Xaviera, did you not catch that? | said it’s not a giveaway.”

“The opportunity is mine, though.” replied with a mix of indifference and sarcasm, having long abandoned any moral high ground. “Think about it, Mr. Zade. If President Lott is hell-bent on taking me to the gala, what could you possibly do? If this blows up, it’s gonna be Director Irwin who looks like a troublemaker, tarnishing the reputation of a young lady in the process.”

Hogan’s eyes narrowed to slits, his displeasure evident. “Xaviera, are you threatening me?”

“Me? Threaten you? Never,” | replied with a humble tone, sipping my coffee gently. “If | remember correctly, there’s a section for the internship provider’s assessment in the graduation defense, right? How that’s written is just a word away from you, isn’t it?”

At that. Hogan seemed to be enveloped in a layer of ice, his already frosty demeanor now exuding an even more unapproachable vibe that sent chills down one’s spine.

Truth be told, | was scared too. But | figured, Hogan wouldn’t want to see us both go down in flames either.

| was gambling on Cecilia’s place in Hogan’s heart. —

After a while. | heard him ask, “Ms. March, how much do you want?”

He did care about her, after all.

Yet, even though I'd won the bet, why did my chest feel like it was weighted down with bitterness?

| replied evenly. “We've worked together before, Mr. Zade. You decide what's fair.”

There went my pride, and the chance to meet my idol. | had to score some kind of win to console myself.

Hogan took out his phone, reluctantly tapping away on the screen right in front of me, his every move screaming resistance. [Received a transfer for ten thousand.]

The notification sound snapped me back to reality, and the next second, | saw the surprised and curious looks from others around us.

| mean, who could blame them? | was just as astonished.

Ten grand.

Chanter Bo

Hogan really broke the bank for Cecilia this time.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“Satisfied?” Hogan sneered coldly. “You know what to tell Cecilia, right?”

The joy from the money was fleeting. Gazing at Hogan, | empathetically said, “Of course.”

As the words left my mouth, | realized my voice was trembling.

Watching Hogan’s figure disappear from my view, | quietly unlocked my phone, feeling as if 1 was in a dream. | should be happy, right?

At least Wallis wouldn't be caught in the middle, and | could use this as a chance to get a new ride.

| wanted to buy a car.

Rivertown winters were too cold, and with a car, | could spare my uncle the harsh commute on the subway.

Wallis was ecstatic when she heard, saying. “What did | tell you? You’re our tech department manager now, how could you not have a car? Wait up. I'll tar

you car shopping tomorrow morning.”

| gladly accepted.

But what | didn’t expect was

for Wallis to lead me straight to a BMW dealership.

Faced with the eager salesperson, | muttered under my breath. “I was only planning on spending around a ten grand or so.” Wallis looked displeased, “Am | that embarrassing to you?”

After saying that, she signaled the salesperson and said, “Bring that red one over here.”

| glanced at the price tag — the car itself was over thirty grand.

| found myself being nudged by Wallis into the driver's seat.

Though the color was a bit flashy, the driving experience was indeed nice.

Wallis, looking proud and speaking earnestly, said, “The moment | saw it, | knew it was for you, Xaviera. You were meant for the passion of the red.”

| looked down. “But my wallet disagrees.” Wallis burst into laughter, “Don’t worry, I'll cover the difference. The company’s got perks for this kind of thing.”

After much persuasion, | couldn’t stand up to Wallis and ended up carefully driving the red BMW back to the company.