Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Hogan’s sharpness totally knocked my socks off. | thought at most he’d chalk my actions up to sucking up to a young hotshot
CEO. But now, it seemed like he’d got my number—figured out my little game.
Life was all about acting, though, right? When it was our turn to take the stage, we gotta y the part to aT.
Considering Hogan was the money man, | yed it cool to keep things smooth on the surface, shing a grin and saying, “Cut it
out. Mr. Zade. Even if you grant me the chance, | wouldn''t dare to pull your leg.”
“Really?” He shot back with a look that could drill holes, “I beg to differ
That confident tone of his sent a flutter through my chest. Curling my fingers. | spoke one way and thought another. “Of course,
and you seemed pretty down to y along just now, didn’t you, Mr. Zade?”
Hearing that, Hogan’s expression faltered, and he mmed up.
I''d admit, there was a hint of snark in my words. Seeing my chance to bow out gracefully. | nced over at Shirley in the
distance and said, “President Stapleton is calling me over; | gotta
jet.”
Compared to Hogan, getting in good with Shirley was top of the to-do list.
At the restaurant, by the floor-to-ceiling windows, Hogan and Shirley took the seats of honor at the antique, fancy long table,
while me and Zachary faced them from across.
The table was a feast for the eyes, and the ’85 Lafite had been uncorked and allowed to breathe well ahead of time. Every detail
screamed luxury and ss, showing the host’s sincerity.
After a beat, Shirley gave the waiter a nod, signaling to pour Hogan a ss. Hogan raised his hand just a bit, politely saying.
“Sorry, Mr. Zade, she runs a tight ship.”
His words caught both Shirley and me off guard. No exnation needed, Cecilia was this “she” Hogan referred to.
The fact that Hogan was this whipped even when out and about was quite the jaw—dropper. | had to tip my hat to Cecilia — girl
knew how to keep her man in line.
Anyone else might have blown their top hearing that response, but not Shirley. She took the decanter from the waiter with a
warm smile and cooed, “With such a perfect setting, it''d be a shame not to drink up. Mr. Zade. Right, Ms. March?”
| was caught off guard by Shirley suddenly putting me on the spot. | knew messing up my answer couldnd me on Shirley''s
cklist faster than one could say “cheers*. But | couldn’t afford to tick off Hogan either.
Weighing my options, | decided to toss the ball back into Hogan’s court, “President Stapleton
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makes a good point, but Mr. Zade is also known for his self-discipline.”
“Is that so?” Shirley said with a sly grin, “Mr. Zade, are you really gonna snub the effort | put into this feast? Is my wine not up to
par, or is it me you''re not keen on?”
That was a sticky wicket, especially since Shirley delivered it with a mix of sweet and sassy — abo most folks would find
hard to resist.
| silently crossed my fingers for Hogan, but the next second, | heard him say, “Why the silent treatment, Ms. March? President
Stapleton is talking to you.
Hogan must''ve misread the room, because Shirley was clearly asking him, not me. | suddenly realized | was being thrown under
the bus by Hogan again.
Looking up at him, | saw him casually sipping his tea with aid-back air. Looked like | was being set up as a no-hoper, eh?
Well then, no hard feelings if | didn’t y nice.
“Mr. Zade,” | said, keeping my voice even but stern, “given President Stapleton’s kind gesture, it''d be pretty rude not to have at
least one drink.”
As soon as my words hit the air, | heard a thud — Hogan''s tea cup had been set down gently yet firmly on the table. Seemed like
he wasn’t too pleased.
| had no choice but to borate, “Plus, President Stapleton and Director Irwin are thick as thieves. With Director Irwin’s generous
nature, she surely won’t hold it against you.