Chapter 31


    Chapter 31


    | thought | heard it wrong.


    But seeing Cecilia hemming and hawing, | knew Hogan''s Invite was legit.


    Or was it just lip service?Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    | didn’t want to be a pain in the neck, so | politely declined, “Thanks for the kind offer, Mr. Zade, but I’ve got work to tackle. I''ll


    treat you next time.”


    Hogan wouldn’t take no for an answer, “You''ve got to eat no matter how busy, right?”


    His voice oddly pitched a notch higher, made me feel like | was too dumb to appreciate his goodwill.


    Cecilia stood there with her head hanging low, murmuring, “Hogan, maybe Xaviera really has


    her reasons.”


    Look at that, his baby girl had an opinion.


    | stood there, waiting to see how Hogan would handle the situation.


    After a moment, he said with strained patience, “Cecilia’s been at yourpany for over al month now, Ms. March. She must


    have caused you some trouble, so | ought to give a proper


    thanks.”


    | immediately read between the lines of Hogan''s implication.


    Turns out, he was settling a debt for Cecilia.


    Cecilia caught on, too, her pale face finally breaking into a small smile, “Hogan Is so thoughtful, Xaviera, maybe you shouldn''t


    refuse?”


    Full of sincerity.


    | felt a bit miffed inside, but face—saving is still a thing.


    So, | ended up hitting the restaurant with Hogan and Cecilia.


    The ce had ss, and there was even someone tickling the Ivories in the corner. The no music helped ease the blockage


    in my heart a bit.


    But one thing | couldn''t figure out: in such a romantic restaurant, wouldn''t it be better for Hogan to enjoy a cozy world for two with


    Cecilia?


    Why insist on bringing me along, the third wheel?


    Soon enough, | got my answer.


    Hry stormed in like a force of nature.


    When she saw me, her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, “Xaviera, you''re here too?”


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    Cacter 31


    Yea, even Hry knew | was out of ce here.


    But Hogan still dragged me into this.


    | casually chewed on my steak. “Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating, | couldn’t resist.”


    Hiry cooled down, asked the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite Cecilia.


    “Nowadays, girls,” she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually. “are something else.”


    With a “zing*. Cecilia’s hand slipped off the fork, shing with the te with an untimely screeching sound.


    Cecilia’s face changed colors. She was clenching the knife and fork so tightly her fingertips went white.


    Pretty awkward.


    Hogan, cool as a cucumber, served up a freshly cut steak and naturally swapped it with the one in front of Cecilia.


    The epitome of considerate.


    Cecilia lifted her longshes, looking surprised and grateful, “Hogan, | can manage it myself.”


    After that, she nced cautiously at Hry.


    Just like a startled little bunny.


    It took me back to the first time | met Hry.


    We had a buffet together.


    Back then, she wasn’t as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t much better towards me.


    Throughout the meal, she had me fetching this and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked


    them, | ended up peeling crayfish all evening.


    My fingernails even smelled like crayfish.


    All that for a “pretty clever” from her.


    And all the while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating, not saying a word.


    Now, same scenario, but he was cutting steak for Cecilia right in front of Hry.


    “Hogan, aren’t you babying her a bit too much?” Hry couldn’t stand it. “She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does she need you to


    cut and feed her?”


    Right when she said this, Hogan was passing a napkin to Cecilia.


    The man replied without batting an eye, “You wouldn’t understand.”


    Hry was left speechless, storm clouds gathering on her face.


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    Chapter 31


    Not wanting to be dragged Into their drama, | changed the subject, “Mrs. Hry, the pan-seared cod here is quite good, you


    should try it.”


    ring this, Hry looked down, saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, “Xaviera knows best, not like some youngdies, with no


    tact at all.”


    The meal was like a roller coaster ride.


    After dinner, the four of us stood at the neon-lit intersection. Hry grabbed my hand, “Xaviera,e over this weekend, Hogan


    just fixed up the yard with awn, and there’s a big patch of bougainvillea in the back, you''ll love it.”


    My heart skipped a beat, and | nced at Hogan involuntarily.


    His expression was unchanged, calm, and unreadable.


    Right, as if someone like Hogan would remember my preferences.


    It must be a coincidence.


    After we sent Hry off, it was just the awkward three of us


    left.


    | fiddled with my phone. “Mr. Zade, my ride is almost here, I''ll head out first,”


    Hogan gave a brief nod, not an extra word.


    I crossed the street.


    In the distance, | could hear Cecilia’s voice tinged with self-reproach. “Sorry, Hogan, it’s my fault, | couldn’t win your mom’s


    favor.”


    | took a deep breath, forcing a smile.


    As if Hry really approved of me.


    She was just using me as a pawn.


    And Cecilia, at least she had Hogan looking out for her, right?


    Speaking of Hogan, it just made me feel worse.


    Clearly, | was his shield for the evening.


    Mother and son, quite the tacit understanding.


    Chapter 32


    But why did he think he could do that?


    Did he think | was a pushover?