Echoes of Unrequited Love (Hogan Zade) novel Chapter 213

"Chill out, Xaviera, I'm totally on top of the company stuff," Cecilia blurted out, her voice shooting up a few decibels, "I'll have a word with Hogan and guarantee to nip this issue in the bud before the year's out, how about that?"

My brows knotted as my gaze landed on Cecilia's face, and just then I caught that smug sparkle in her almond eyes.

It was fleeting.

And in that flash, a wave of restrained nausea surged up inside me.

It was like a game of poker. Cecilia knew full well that the moment she offered to help persuade Hogan for the company, I wouldn't be able to turn her down.

As for me, even though I really hated this kind of bargaining, it was still a pretty sweet deal if looking at the bigger picture.

Of course, the premise was that Cecilia genuinely wanted to help.

With that thought, I toned down my voice a bit and said, "Mr. Zade has always been one to keep work and personal life separate. Wouldn't it be a bit off to bother Director Irwin with this?"

I was throwing her words from yesterday back at her.

Cecilia must have caught the subtext because her smile stiffened before she obediently replied, "Xaviera, if you can find time in your busy schedule to teach me how to make soup, then it’s no biggie for me to persuade Hogan. Plus, you know how he is – all bark and no bite."

All bark and no bite.

I chewed over the phrase silently, and helplessly curled the corners of my mouth.

I mean, after dealing with Hogan for so long, I'd only ever witnessed his bite, and never have I seen the mythical soft heart of his.

His soft side was probably reserved for Cecilia alone.

Today, with Cecilia bringing Sibyl along, they were clearly here to cash in on some old favor. Seeing their determination, they'd likely hassle Jason if they didn't get their way.