Echoes of Unrequited Love ( Hogan Zade )
Chapter 65

Chapter 65

I heaved a secret sigh of relief and plastered on a business–like fake smile, “Sweet dreams, Mr.

Zade.”

Hogan didn’t respond, but the stormy look on his face had cleared.

I leaned against the wall. It took a hot minute for me to catch my breath before I immediately called up Wallis.

“No more talk of pulling out the investment?” Wallis was gobsmacked, “Man, these past few days have been a real rollercoaster.”

Rubbing my temples, I said, “Cecilia’s words, after all, carry more weight than ours.”

On the other end, Wallis let out a sigh.

I got the message loud and clear. Cecilia’s favor wasn’t something easy to repay, was it?

Sure enough, three days after the crisis was averted, Cecilia came to me on her own accord.

The girl had this caring vibe going on and beat around the bush for ages before she got to the point, “Xaviera, I’ve memorized Mrs. Hilary’s likes and dislikes these past few days. Do you think I could replace a chance to put that into practice?”

Turns out she wanted me to set her up with Hilary.

Remembering the time Hilary invited me over for dinner, I said, “Let’s do this. We’ll hit the supermarket later, you can grab some gifts, and after work, we’ll swing by Mountain Villa together.”

Cecilia blinked in surprise, “You sure, Xaviera? Isn’t that a bit too forward?”

She suggested I give Hilary a heads–up call.

It was more of a hint for me to test the waters than a suggestion.

I figured I owed it to them, so I went along with it.

Hilary seemed pretty stoked on the phone, but her tone shifted when I brought up Cecilia, “Nah, she’s an eyesore.

I decided to push my luck, “Mrs. Hilary, a mother’s love is deep. Think about Mr. Zade, and besides, Director Irwin has you on her mind. That kind of filial piety is rare.”

That was when Hilary relented.

So after work, Cecilia and I made our way to Mountain Villa.

Seeing the rustic charm of the detached villa, Cecilia was just as gobsmacked as I was, totally stunned.

When Hilary came out to greet us. Cecilia was still fixated on the plant at the entrance.

10:04

Chapter 65

I quickly nudged her, “Director Irwin.”

Cecilia suddenly perked up and approached to say hello. “Mrs. Hilary, nice to meet you. I’ve brought a little something for you, please accept it.”

Hilary’s face wasn’t too sour as she eyed the nutrition Cecilia was holding.

But not long after we entered the house, she dropped a zinger, “The cook had to leave suddenly for home, so I’m afraid we won’t have dinner tonight.”

Reading between the lines, there was nobody to cook tonight.

I took a sip of tea and stealthily signaled Cecilia, who quickly caught on and volunteered, “Mrs. Hilary, I usually cook for myself. If you don’t mind, I can whip up dinner.”

Hilary gave her a meaningful look, “You can cook?”

Cecilia glanced at me for support and nodded, “I can manage a few home–style dishes.”

Hilary put on her matriarchal air and drawled lazily, “Well then, Ms. Irwin, that would be much. appreciated.”

Cecilia obediently went into the kitchen.

Hilary wasn’t idle either and took me to the backyard to see the bougainvillea.

It wasn’t just one plant, but a whole patch, lush and thriving, even more robust than the ones you’d see in the shops.

Clearly, they were well–tended.

Amidst this sea of red, a white bougainvillea stood out conspicuously, just like the one I used to have in my apartment.

F

The one that Hogan considered a total waste of time–a couple’s plant.

“You mean that prime spot with the white–edged bloom?” Hilary chuckled, “Who knows? The gardener said Hogan brought it from somewhere. Maybe it adds to the aesthetic in

combination with the others?”

Brought from somewhere–then it probably wasn’t the one I had.

I remembered the landlord telling me they had cleared out all the indoor decorations, including that plant, probably just a coincidence.