Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 197

Chapter 197 | gave a sly smirk and said, “Yep, he should be here any minute now. “Oh, really?” Hilary seemed to realize her own bluntness; she shot me an awkward look and tugged at the corner of her mouth.

Just as | was about to kill the conversation, Cecilia’s sweet, mushy voice suddenly burst into my ears, “Huh? Xaviera? Is that really you?”

| glanced sideways and immediately spotted Cecilia and Sibyl heading our way.

Ironically, the mother—daughter duo were also decked out in Chanel suits. Cecilia, petite as she was, couldn’t quite pull off the haute couture look, but she made it work okay. Sibyl was another story, though.

Her hair tips, dyed with some cheap blonde hair dye, clashed horribly with the chic elegance of Chanel.

| caught Hilary's eyebrows twitching almost imperceptibly.

As they got closer, Cecilia politely introduced Sibyl to Hilary. Sibyl grinned; her smile was so wide it almost reached her ears. | felt like a third wheel standing there.

So, | bid Hilary adieu, but then | overheard Sibyl asking. “Didn’t Ms. March have a date yesterday? How come she’s free to drop by today? Is this some kind of surprise for us?”

Her rapid-fire questions made my temples throb. | pinched the bridge of my nose and explained again, “Coincidentally, the person I’m meeting also booked a spot in this tea house.”

“Also here?” Cecilia latched onto the keyword, and she shot Hilary a look before saying with a beaming smile, “That’s quite the coincidence.”

Her tone was so bland; | bet if Hilary wasn’t around, Cecilia wouldn't even bother with her passive—aggressive act.

But | couldn’t blame her entirely; who would have thought they'd choose the same spot for their afternoon tea?

| didn’t want to argue, so | just brushed it off with, “Why don’t you guys go ahead? I’m still waiting for someone.”

“Who exactly is Xaviera waiting for?” Cecilia, not seem ready to leave, ventured, “Is it Mr. Temple?”

Sibyl quickly chimed in, “Who's Mr. Temple? Ms. March’s boyfriend?”

Hilary, ever so sharp, sensed something was up, so she looked at me in surprise and asked, “Xaviera, you got a new beau?” 11:39

The questions came at me fast and furious, making me feel dizzy. Feeling a wave of discomfort. wash over me, | took a calm breath, “I’m meeting a senior colleague.”

It was like dumping a bucket of Ice water into boiling water; all three of them immediately clammed up, and looked at me with curiosity.

After a moment, Cecilia suddenly stepped forward, grabbed my hand excitedly, and blurted out, “No wonder you’ve been so secretive, Xaviera. You're meeting with Professor Yearwood today!”

Her grip tightened around my fingers, and seeing her enthusiastic expression, | couldn’t help but feel suspicious.

Aauick glance to the side, and it all clicked.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

There was Hogan, all dressed up, striding towards us.

We weren't far apart, and if he’d paid any attention, he had probably heard every word of our conversation.

But, it didn’t matter anymore.

As | was figuring out how to extricate myself, Darren's timely greeting rang out. “Sorry Xaviera, | just saw your message.”

He hurried over to me, oblivious to the fact that | was in the eye of the storm.