Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 153

Timothy had got a point, but it was not the whole picture. After all, Hogan and | had been going our separate ways for two years now.

Now, the only thing standing between us was the almighty dollar. Straight up, it was all about the benjamins. He was all business, no hard feelings there.

“I've got a favor to ask of you.” | said, not wanting to lay eyes on those two in the morning, “Can you help me get discharged?” “No way.” Timothy shot me down, “I can’t just let you do as you please.”

| hung my head low, spilling the beans, “Honestly, | can’t stand the stench of hospital disinfectant. If | stay here, I'll probably be up

all

night. Please, help me out.”

| didn’t want a minute more in the hospital.

Seeing my urgency, Timothy hesitated for a while before sighing, “Xaviera, no idea what to do with you.”

Half an hour later, Timothy was helping me back to the hotel. Staring at the cramped budget room, Timothy went silent. | got it. The guy was a real—deal rich kid; no way he could understand the struggles of us corporate slaves.

“Xaviera, you trekked all the way to Pinecrest Hollow to crash in this dump, all for Freeman? Is it worth it?” He seemed puzzled. | nodded, “I’ve got no other choice.”Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Timothy just stared at me, and then said, “Aren’t you afraid it'll all be

13:31

for nothing?”

I'd thought about that, but I’d still got no other choice.

“You're one stubborn cookie,” pouting, Timothy grumbled.

With that, he stormed out. Not sure what exactly ticked him off. Maybe he thought chasing pipe dreams was dumb, but what else could | do? After all, | didn’t have Cecilia’s kind of luck, did I?

Woke up to a few missed calls on my phone; one of them was from Hogan. At 5:30 in the morning, before the crack of dawn. Not sure if it was a butt dial; | hesitated before calling him back.

Soon after, the phone connected, and Hogan’s deep voice came through, “About that deal we talked about, I’ve made up my mind.”

| perked up in an instant, “Your instructions, Mr. Zade?” “I'm willing to share my guest list with you, but you’ve gotta do something for me.” Not surprised about this. There wasn’t no such thing as a free lunch, after all.

Hogan analyzed seriously, “Shirley’s dragging her feet because at present, she’s got another option.” He said, “And we need to light a fire under her.”

“Mr. Zade wants me to cut off President Stapleton’s Plan B?” | got straight to the point, “Aren’t you overestimating me a bit?” “You can do it.” Hogan’s voice was cool as ever, “Her other option is Sean from the Abbott family, Timothy’s buddy.” Chapter 153

That was when | started to get his drift. But then | thought of something else — if Hogan knew about Timothy and Sean's connection, then getting me to mess with Sean would be like betraying Timothy.

Timothy was a stand-up guy, full of warmth and loyalty. Betraying a friend like that? Couldn't do it.

Sharp as Hogan was, he noticed my silence and said, “I've laid out the terms. How to make a choice, it’s your move, Ms. March.”

He was pushing me into a corner. My heart sank bit by bit at the thought.

Hogan must know, whether it was Sean or Timothy, those were big fish | couldn’t afford to cross. If they ever sniffed out that I’d got a hidden agenda, could | even expect to come out unscathed?

“Mr. Zade, | need some time.” | replied seriously, “Can | have a moment to think it over?” Acold chuckle came through the phone, and | heard Hogan taunt, “What's the matter, Ms. March, can’t let go of Timothy?” Chapter 153

That was when | started to get his drift. But then | thought of something else — if Hogan knew about Timothy and Sean's connection, then getting me to mess with Sean would be like betraying Timothy.

Timothy was a stand-up guy, full of warmth and loyalty. Betraying a friend like that? Couldn't do it. Sharp as Hogan was, he noticed my silence and said, “I've laid out the terms. How to make a choice, it’s your move, Ms. March.” He was pushing me into a corner. My heart sank bit by bit at the thought.

Hogan must know, whether it was Sean or Timothy, those were big fish | couldn’t afford to cross. If they ever sniffed out that I’d got a hidden agenda, could | even expect to come out unscathed?

“Mr. Zade, | need some time.” | replied seriously, “Can | have a moment to think it over?”

Acold chuckle came through the phone, and | heard Hogan taunt, “What's the matter, Ms. March, can’t let go of Timothy?”