Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 33

Cor de board my chat with Candy

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It was to disse when colleagues didn’t see eye to eye, but | didn’t expect her to drag Hogan

Since she heard it. Hesan must've had his ears wide open, making Candy and me look like we MERE BIG-POLINUS A. Coworker behind their back.

a Cand probably don’t see this coming either. She whispered. “Xaviera, if someone’s gotta take the foll | shot her a look and soothed “1 got this.”

Then headed over to the duo

When our eyes met. | said to Cecilia. “My bad, | should’ve handled things better. Sorry for the Subcenty, Cecila’s eyes welled up, and tears started falling like pearls off a string.

She was naturally fair and delicate, and now all teary-eyed, she looked pitiful

it tugged at your heartstrings.

Then Hogan whipped out his handkerchief and shot me a look before scoffing, “Ms. March, your skills are know backing aren’t they?”

His voice was low, but it was wrapped in a chill commanding respect without even trying.

And there he went, playing the protector again.

“Sorry, Xaviera, | just couldn’t keep it together.” Cecilia choked up, her voice trembling, “Hogan, let it go.” “Director Irwin, I’m the one who talked smack, why are you making Xaviera pay for it?”

Candy suddenly burst out from behind me, letting Cecilia have it.

Cecilia’s eyes went wide, and she looked at Candy, mouth agape, unsure what to say next.

Even more upset now.

| was about to play peacemaker when Hogan said, “Easy fox. You apologize to Cecilia, then. resign.” Resign?

12-18

Hogan was actually suggesting firing Candy.

| always thought he kept work and personal separate, but there he was, as an investor in the project, meddling in our company affairs for Cecilia's sake.

Didn’t see that one coming.

| knew he was a man of his word, so | tried to reason, “Mr. Zade, at the end of the day, this was on me. Let’s head back and...” “I'm saying.” Hogan cut me off coldly, “fire her.”

My words got stuck in my throat.

It was like swallowing a fishbone by accident — not deadly, but enough to throw me into a moment of panic and frustration. That was when | realized, | had no sway in front of Hogan.

Not compared to Cecilia’s plight.

| managed a weak smile and said, “Mr. Zade, hold your horses, I'll talk to President Lott later.”

“Then do me a favor and tell President Lott, if she’s still here tomorrow,” Hogan said, glancing at Candy, “our partnership is as good as over.”

With that, he walked off with Cecilia.

| was thunderstruck, rooted to the spot, unable to utter a word.

So, was Hogan pulling his funding over a couple of snide remarks about Cecilia? “Hogan, let it go, | won't take it to heart.”

Her soft voice brought me back to reality. My clenched hands flexed and relaxed as | faintly heard Hogan say, “You're too kind, but now’s not the time for mercy.”

Yeah, in Hogan’s eyes, Cecilia was the gentle soul, and we were the baddies.

| didn’t catch up with Wallis until 9:30 that night.

She was decked out in an off-white trench coat and towering heels, looking stunning and fierce. Seeing me, she grinned, “It’s just a little hiccup, Xaviera. We'll stand tall together.”

On the way, we brainstormed some damage control.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“We can’t fire Candy, but if Hogan wants to flex for Cecilia, we'll play along.”

| massaged my temples and asked, “What's your plan, President Lott?”

“Apologize, of course,” Wallis said, determined as ever, “Give Hogan and Cecilia the respect they’re due, and we'll turn the page on this.”

She still didn’t get Hogan.

12:18

He had always been about swift action, probably not so easy to bluff.

But we had to try Wallis‘ approach.

So, bright and early the next day, Wallis and | showed up at Rainbow Capital with gifts in hand as a peace offering.

The receptionist recognized me and said, “Mr. Zade’s busy, flew to Spring City last night with Ms. Irwin to see the snowy mountains. You can call him directly if you have his number.”

Wallis and | exchanged surprised looks. Neither of us received Cecilia’s leave request. And we just got the cold shoulder at Hogan’s.

Wallis figured this was Hogan's way of pressuring us.