Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 143

And what | didn’t expect was the caller on the line turned out to be Shirley. My gut was screaming this wasn’t going to be anything good.

All of a sudden, it hit me - the run-in with Hogan and Zachary at noon. If my hunch was right; she was the messenger in this little

game. | took a moment to brace myself and then hit the answer button. The next second, the buzzing noise unique to bars flooded my ears.

“Ms. March, feeling any better? There’s a bash at our bar tonight; wanna swing by for a drink?”

Shirley sure thought highly of me. Anyone with a lick of medical sense knew one shouldn’t go near booze with a swollen ankle.

And Shirley? She’d got the smarts, alright. She was just out to ruffle my feathers. | had some hope for our partnership before, so I'd been biting my tongue in the face of her provocations. But things

were different now. “Sorry, President Stapleton, not gonna work for me.” | declined flat-out, “But thanks for the invite.”

Shirley probably didn’t see that level of straight talk coming. She paused for a few seconds before letting out a sigh, “Too bad, really. Mr. Zade was just saying he expected me to knock back a few with Ms. March tonight, right Mr. Zade?”

Mr. Zade? So, Hogan was there too?

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His deep, raspy voice confirmed it, “Ms. March, it’s a kind gesture from President Stapleton. You should make the trip.”

At the sound of his voice, | could feel my heart sinking, limbs starting to quake. How long did Hogan plan to use me as his pawn? Did he really see me as a sucker?

l inhaled deeply, almost ready to snap back, but held it in. On second thought, this might still be my chance.

If Hogan had the upper hand with Cecilia in the FreeMan thing, fair play to him. But if he wanted to use me against Shirley, he’d better be ready to pony up.

With that in mind, | coolly said, “Hang tight, I'll be right over.”

From a distance, in the bar’s VIP section, | spotted Hogan sitting dead center. The guy was decked out in a black shirt, sleeves rolled up just enough to show off a bit of his solid forearms, while that aloof, fair face of his looked almost out of place under theThis text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

neon glow.

And Shirley, across from him, was all dolled up in a black sequined dress, light smoky makeup adding to her mysterious, sultry vibe.

The moment she saw me, she flashed a grin, saying, “Ms. March, flying solo tonight? Where’s Timothy?” | frowned slightly, replying, “l wasn’t aware Mr. Temple was coming.” “Really?” Shirley feigned innocence, “I thought with the connection between Ms. March and Timothy, you'd come together.”

After dropping that line, Shirley sneakily glanced at Hogan, gauging his reaction. Funny thing about her, if Cecilia was standing here

instead of me, Hogan might've been on edge. But it was me, remember? | looked at Shirley unfazed and said, “I had no idea you invited Mr. Temple too. Seems like we’re in for a lively evening.”

No sooner had | finished than a cheerful voice called out right by my ear, “Xaviera, | kept calling you; why didn’t you pick up? Turns out you're already here.”

The couch dipped beside me, and soon a crisp mint scent wafted into my nostrils. | turned to see Timothy, clad in a white sequined jacket and rocking shades, plopping down next to me with confidence.

What could | say, the guy had stage presence. | could tell Timothy was no stranger to the bar scene.

His skin was fair, enviable even; topped with gray hair and those oversized sunglasses, he looked just like the heartthrob idol young girls went crazy for.

| couldn't help but take a few more glances. Out of the corner of my eye, | caught Hogan across from us, silently observing our way.

The corner of his mouth was slightly upturned, but his eyes were unflinching. | knew that look — it was his way of saying he couldn't care less.