Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 186

Chapter 186 Hogan had seen my grandma, and boy, was that a day to remember.

It was early in my sophomore year when my grandma, who had never left our small town, decided to venture out for the first time. She came to Rivertown, lugging a bag of freshly picked walnuts.

To save on travel costs, she arrived at the station late at night, when there was an pouring rain. Hogan and | were just stepping out of the library when | got the call. | was thrilled and at a loss all at once, but Hogan didn’t hesitate. He made the snap decision to head to the train station with me.

Taking her to dinner and getting her lodged — Hogan went all out that day, he took care of everything like it was his second nature. It was so heartfelt that | almost thought he truly had a thing for me back then.

A few years passed, and it’s like a whole different world. How times change. “She’s not doing too well,” | said casually; my voice was so light as if | was talking about someone else’s grandmother.

As he heard that, Hogan’s expression softened, and even his grip on my wrist loosened a bit. “You didn’t mention it that day,” he said.

That day. He must be referring to that time in the president's office at Rainbow Capital But what's with him now? His tone seemed laced with a tinge of guilt. Could Hogan, the guy with a heart of stone, actually feel remorse?

| couldn't read his mind, but | sensed an opportunity and quickly said, “I need money for my grandma's treatment. That’s why I’m so eager to push the project forward.”

He looked up at me with a puzzled tone, “Is it for your grandma?”

Our eyes locked, and | saw a hint of softness in Hogan’s gaze that | hadn't seen since years

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Feeling unexpectedly uncomfortable, | swallowed hard and replied. “You didn’t give me a chance to explain that day.” With that spoken, | avoided his gaze, but Hogan’s intense stare never left me, which made my heart race.

I

was gambling on how much Hogan’s conscience weighed, and whether a sliver of guilt might sway him.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

As time slowly ticked by, | felt my breath bated; Finally | heard Hogan remark, “Ms. March, your acting skills have really become top-notch.”

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Surprised, | looked up to meet his sharp, hawk-like eyes.

| wanted to escape this intense atmosphere, but Hogan had me pinned,

With his warm breath drawing closer, my heart raced increasingly until his long fingers touched my cheek, making me instinctively clench my fist.

“Why are your eyes red?” he asked in a low volce, which was so familiar that it almost felt like an illusion. It was the same tender tone he used only In Intimate moments.

The thought made me resist.

| turned my face away and said calmly, “Medical bills aren’t exactly pocket change.”

| wasn’t sure which word struck his nerve, but suddenly, he got up abruptly and sat down beside me, clearly agitated.

Out of the corner of my eye, | caught a glimpse of his impatient profile.

It looked like my ploy might fail, so | decided to bow out gracefully. “Mr. Zade, you must be busy. | won’t bother you any longer.”

As | stood up and took a couple of steps, | heard Hogan say, “I’m not against bringing Timothy into the game, but Xaviera, it's up to you to play this piece well. If you end up causing trouble that can’t be fixed, don’t expect anyone to bail you out.”