Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 36

Just my luck, it had to be after that incident.

Cecilia’s greeting snapped me out of my reverie.

Wallis and | exchanged a look before she opened the door.

Cecilia handed over a box of cakes with a gentle smile. “President Lott, Xaviera, | picked out this gift especially for you two.” Wallis chuckled in response. “Director Irwin, you’re too kind.”

Cecilia's eyes crinkled with mirth, “President Lott, Xaviera, | mishandled things earlier, please don’t take it to heart. I’ve already smoothed things over with Hogan, let’s all work together and shine bright from now on.”Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

She finished with a playful but earnest fist pump, making it hard to hold a grudge.

But when did she talk to Hogan about this?

“Last night,” Cecilia blinked her large eyes and said, “I messaged you, Xaviera, didn’t you see?” | fished out my phone and checked the notifications, indeed there was a message from Cecilia. [Xaviera, Hogan has agreed.]

It was sent shortly after | left Mountain Villa.

At that time, my mind was in a whirl, | hadn’t noticed.

So, Hogan had let things slide only after Cecilia's intervention?

| felt like | had cotton stuffed in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Wallis texted me. [Anyhow, glad that’s settled Clear your evening schedule, I’m taking you out to unwind.] With the front and back ends of the project still incomplete, | wasn’t ip the mood.

Wallis insisted, [Xaviera, after this ordeal, I’ve realized something — we shouldn't put all our eggs in one basket, and that goes for investors too. So, you have to join tonight's banquet.]

That’s when | caught on to Wallis‘ plan.

| must say, when it comes to making money, she was a real role model.

| agreed.

The banquet was set at the Bluebell Bistro & Bar, a go-to for Rivertown’s elite events.

Everything from the hotel’s facilities to the dessert trays was exquisite.

Thanks to Wallis, in my half-year at Rivertown, I’d been freeloading here often enough to become a bit of a food snob. Chapter 36

“Heard that Michelin chef went back home to get hitched.” Wallis handed me a raspberry mousse and said, “The new chef's skills are a bit off.”

| sipped my juice and asked, “What about that Rich Man? Has he shown up?”

Wallis scanned the crowd, then glanced at her watch and said, “What's the rush? Big shots usually make a grand late entrance. Let's snack first.”

| was about to grab another bagel when | heard Wallis exclaim, “Here comes the moneybags!”

| followed her star—struck gaze and sure enough, spotted the middle-aged man in a suit, looking like Winnie the Pooh, not too far away.

We made a beeline for him.

“Mr. Bishop, good to see you,” Wallis greeted with eager warmth, “We are,” Before she could finish, Frank had turned away.

We were straight-up ghosted by the big shot.

But then, | heard Frank call out a familiar name.

Looking up, there was Darren shaking hands with our cash cow.

Darren saw me too.

His warm gaze flashed with surprise, his smile spilling over.

at are you

“Darren knows Frank?” Wallis, ever the bloodhound, elbowed me, waiting for? Go for it.”

We immediately positioned ourselves before Frank and Darren.

Darren looked me over and complimented, “You look lovely tonight.”

| was in a simple black dress, nothing special, but with Darren’s words, | felt a touch

embarrassed and returned the compliment. “You're quite dashing yourself tonight, Darren.”

| was only stating the obvious; this was my first time seeing Darren in formal attire.

Frank, seeing our chummy demeanor, asked Darren, “Your girlfriend?”

| clarified, “College mates. Darren is our class monitor, and this is President Lott, my boss and friend.” Wallis introduced herself with ease.

After her intro, Darren chimed in, “Mr. Bishop, you might not be aware, but for the website you asked me to set up, Xaviera and Ms. Lott played a major part.”

He was exaggerating, obviously catching on to our little ploy.

Frank’s gaze towards me and Wallis warmed up, “So, the IT beauties are the real brains.” 12:19:

Wallis and | exchanged glances, wondering how to segue into our project, when Darren added, “Xaviera and Ms. Lott are currently developing a dating sim game with unique concepts and gameplay that’s rare at home. If you're interested, Mr. Bishop, we could discuss this further sometime.”

Frank seemed to trust Darren and agreed, “Sure.”

Wallis promptly handed over her business card.

The smoothness of the situation left us speechless.

Just then, a familiar saccharine voice cut in, “Xaviera, President Lott, it really is you guys!” As luck would have it, there was Cecilia in her yellow dress and Hogan in his tails.

Oh, how could | forget? This was Hogan’s turf.

Had he already been this eager to introduce his girl to everyone?