Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 28

Hogan glanced at the insulated food container In Darren’s hand and asked,
“What's this?"

Before Darren could say a word, Cecilia jumped in. “The food container? Hogan,
you're out of the loop. Mr. Yearwood knew Xaviera wasn't feeling well and
whipped up a special dinner with some TLC.”

Hogan gave Darren the once—over, then turned to me and said, “Ms. March, you
are not just a coding whiz, but also ace at keeping her friends close, huh?”
His voice was even, but I detected a hint of sarcasm in his words.

Darren, ever the gentleman, said, “Xaviera's often lent me a hand. She's been
under the weather with a stomachache these past couple of days, so I thought I'd
check in on her.”

It sounded like he was sticking up for me.

After hearing this, Hogan snickered, “One day it's “that time of the month, the
next it's a stomachache. Ms. March's health sure is full of surprises.”

I looked at Hogan in disbelief.

What was he getting at?

Thinking I was faking it?

Cecilia, catching on, chided, “You don’t get it, Hogan. A girl's period can indeed
lead to other discomforts.”

It was like she was trying to explain on my behalf, but it almost made things
worse.

“Is that so?” Hogan gave me a look, the smile on his lips ambiguous, “Well then,
Ms. March, you'd better take good care of yourself.”

That one sentence put me on the hot seat.

“Take care.“

Coming from Hogan, it was dripping with irony.

Suddenly remembering his explanation to Cecilia the night before, I replied
calmly. “Of course, Mr. Zade, you have put so much money into us, I've gotta
take care of myself.”

Hogan's pupils quivered, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

I wasn't about to waste my time on this kind of idle chatter and spoke up again.
“Mr. Zade, we'll be on our way.”

After saying that, I shot Darren a look.

With a slight nod, Darren followed by my side.

We crossed the street in silence.

11:42

*This is as far as you go.” Darren looked at me, worry mingling in his eyes, as if
he had more to say but held back.

I didn’t mince words, reminding him. “You're busy with work too. Don’t do this
kind of silly thing again.”

Darren paused, looked at me, and asked, “Xaviera, can I ask you an abrupt
question?”

I curled my fingers slightly and nodded.

“Your relationship with Hogan...”

“He's the investor and I'm the project manager,” I answered frankly.

Darren seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and, with a smile, said, “If that's the
case, then it's not silly.”

Why couldn't he just drop it?

“Alright, time is money, get back to cranking code,” Darren pointed to his
wristwatch, “if you wait any longer, you'll miss the last subway.”

Darren knew how to tease me.

And I did go back to coding in all earnestness.

By the time I returned to my apartment complex, it was late at night.

Carrying my laptop, I entered the building and looked up only to bump into
Hogan.

Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.

He was still wearing that dark grey
overcoat, with a turnover calls.
knee-length grop-Shbdlider lesign,
simple yet timeless, just like the one I
gave him years ago. The content is

on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!

“robably just a coincidence.

it the moment, the belt around his waist casually hung behind him, making him
look both tylish and easygoing.

logan really did wear clothes well.

ut I only spared him a glance before silently walking past him.

fter a long day, I needed to rest.

Do we have to do this?"

Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.

lis deep voice came from behind me.

I stopped in my tracks, eluctantiy,
turned around antl Hid2on; it's Mr.
Zab! Sorry, I'm not wearing my
glasses.” The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!

ogan fell silent, but his eyes remained fixed on me, making me feel
uncomfortable.

Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.

“m off the clock,” I really couldn't deal
with this guy any 0% “Ifyou have
sprigs Zade, let's talk
tomorrow.” The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!

fter that, I walked away.

Chapter 28

“Why delete my contact?” His persistent, mocking tone hit my ears as Hogan
said, “Afraid Darren might get the wrong idea?”