Echoes of Unrequited Love ( Hogan Zade )
Chapter 192

Chapter 192

The phrase “part–time job” really struck a nerve with me.

But then I quickly picked up another crucial piece of info from Sibyl’s chit–chat–Jason’s gig at the supermarket was a favor she had pulled strings for.

I shot Jason a puzzled look and heard him say, “Yes, a coworker.”

Sibyl seemed to catch my drift and chuckled, explaining. “Well, Jason’s coworker is actually a cousin on my mom’s side. He filled me in on Jason’s situation, so I went ahead and stepped in to lend a hand. Man, I didn’t expect it to backfire like this, Ms. March. My bad, really.”

Sibyl sounded sincere, and it didn’t seem like she was playing favorites. It’s just that this “concern” came way out of left field; we weren’t that tight with her by any stretch.

But she had helped out after all, so all I could do was politely say, “Thanks for your help, you went out of your way. I’ll swing by tomorrow to thank you in person.”

Sibyl looked taken aback for a sec, then she waved it off and said, “Oh, Ms. March, you’re being too gracious. Cecilia’s been thriving at your company thanks to your support. My little effort here isn’t anything to make a fuss over.”

“It’s the least I could do.”

Seeing I was genuine, Sibyl tentatively asked, “You haven’t tried our restaurant’s dishes yet, have you? How about you and Jason swing by tomorrow noon? I’ll whip up some home. cooking for you, how’s that sound?”

Since Sibyl had thrown Jason a bone, it only seemed right to give her business a bit of a boost, so I agreed to come by.

After Sibyl left, Jason looked at me cautiously and explained, “I didn’t know, otherwise, I–I wouldn’t ha–have gone.

He finished, with his eyelids drooping, looking like a kid who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar was bracing for judgment.

I reassured him, “I know, don’t sweat it. I’ll just grab a quick bite tomorrow and head back. Just stay put in the hospital for the night for observation, okay?”

Jason looked at me, with worry in his eyes, as if he had more to say, but I caught a glimpse of unease in his gaze.

“What’s up?” I asked, feeling a twinge of guilt.

With his eyes slowly drifted from my face to my hands, he asked, “When did you… buy a car?”

I realized that Jason was fishing for something.

“It’s a company car,” I said nonchalantly. “Business has been good lately, and the boss rewarded me that.”

11:38

Chapter 132

Hearing this. Jason let out a relieved sigh and spoke with heartfelt concern. “Xaviera… I know you’re… destined for great things, but you’d rather.. keep your distance from him if you can.”

As I listened to him get that sentence out in bits and pieces, my heart couldn’t help but sour a

bit.

Looks like he was still on guard against Hogan.

“Don’t worry.” I patted Jason’s hand while calmly saying. “There’s no chance of that happening.”

The next morning, after sorting out Jason’s affairs. I popped by a nearby gift shop, where t picked up some gift boxes, and drove to Sibyl’s place.

By the time I got to her establishment, the sun was high in the sky.

Hearing me arrive. Sibyl came out from the kitchen, all smiles, ‘Ms. March, you’re here! Please, have a seat.”

After saying this, she signaled a server to bring over a teapot and courteously poured me some water.

Looking around the clean and tidy restaurant. I felt a tinge of envy, but as my eyes landed on the menu on the wall I couldn’t help but be taken aback.

There was a dish that looked awfully familiar–twice–cooked pork.

It instantly brought back memories from my childhood.

That dish was also one of my grandma’s specialties.

“Ms. March, you’ve got good taste. That’s the chef’s signature dish. Sibyl said sharply. seeming to have read my thoughts, “I’ll make sure it’s on the menu for you.”