SWNOVELS Chapter 19
Chapter 19
I was zoning out staring at Hogan's profile pic.
Honestly, I was planning to give this friend request a pass.
But of course, Hogan had to be a big—shot Investor.
If he just wanted to talk shop and I got all petty now, that would look bad on me.
After much thought, I accepted the friend request.
And within moments, a transfer notification popped up unexpectedly.
Like, what's up with this investor playing Santa late at night?
I didn’t say much, just shot over a question mark.
Then a voice message popped up.
“Compensation.”
Suddenly, that steamy kiss from last night flashed through my mind, and
everything clicked.
That investment banker sure knew how to play the generosity card.
I wasn't shy; I hit accept on that payment.
No one ever complained about having too much cash, right?
And if I didn’t take it, Hogan would probably be restless.
After collecting the dough, I thought about saying thanks, but as I started typing, I
hesitated.
With the way things were between us, even one extra word seemed out of place.
So, I ended up saying nothing.
Omeone
The next day, business as usual at the office, but I couldn't shake the feeling that
from the tech department kept sneaking glances my way, like they were probing
for something. It left a sour taste in my heart.
Post-lunch, Cecilia came up to me, “Xaviera, can I take a half-day off?"
I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
So she just wanted time off.
Before I could reply, Cecilia added, “Hogan's mom invited me for tea, and I just
don’t know how to say no.”
She looked down, all helpless.
She didn’t need to spill the beans to me, but I was cool about it, “No worries, go
ahead. If it's
Chapter Ty
late, feel free to call it a day.”
Cecilia looked up, her lashes fluttering, “You're so understanding, Xaviera.”
I didn’t have the heart to tell her I was just playing nice because of the cash,
Plus, I'd already finished the work she had on her plate, so no delays there.
I figured my decision was fair and square, but it wasn’t long before I got a call
from Hilary.
“Xaviera, you've really done me dirty, haven't you? And I trusted you so much!”
Her accusing tone, paired with her booming voice, sounded like fury was about to
burst through the phone.
Confused, I asked, “What's going on?”
“Why didn’t you tell me Cecilia was working at your studio?” Hilary was fuming.
“Are you and Hogan playing me for a fool?”
I had seen this coming, but Hilary's reproach still managed to stir up a sense of
Injustice in me.
In a daze, it seemed like I could hear Cecilia's timid apologies.
Rubbing my temples, I said, “Mrs. Hilary, hold on. I'll come over now.”
Some things just couldn't be settled over the phone.
Fifteen minutes later, I rushed to the fancy cafe where Hilary and Cecilia were.
From a distance, I saw Cecilia with her head hung low, sitting across from a
fuming Hilary, her face ashen.
The vibe was anything but chill.
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“Mrs. Hilary.” I sat down and pushed
aside the coffee in Go
Sj naling 0 Ma ter, “A low—sugar
NA for this lady, please.” The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
Hilary got a bad heart, and the doc told her to lay off the coffee.
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Seeing my gesture, Hilary cooled
down and said gruffly, tlogap ming
a fool, andyoute oiifg in the
nbnsknse. How could you agree to
have this person under your watch?”
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Read the latest chapter there!
She shot Cecilia a look.
Cecilia turned pale, biting her lip tightly.
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I sighed and said, “Mrs. Hilary, it's our
fault for keeping it toryoe but Ms.
KH {ostT6Nd ing Mr. Zade's
instructions. She's not to blame.” The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
Hilary looked at me in disbelief and asked, “Doesn't it bother you?”
I forced a smile and said. “Mr. Zade’s generous. I'm too busy being grateful to be
bothered.”
Chapter