Chapter 139
Hogan’s all business attitude and unflappable tone really brought his ironclad persona to life. Made sense, with Cecilia in the picture, Hogan was practically an island- no water could soak him, no wind could break him down.
Shirley must’ve caught onto that; her voice came off way stiffer than before. “So what if I refuse to partner up with Rainbow Capital?”
Looked like she was ticked off, Refusing was just another form of threat, wasn’t it?
Shirley was still a woman after all, letting her emotions called the shots. She just didn’t get Hogan.
Next thing I heard was the man’s bland response. “You certainly have the right to refuse. President Stapleton, but as far as I know, Lucky Star’s financial statements have been on the downside since last year, and the cash flow situation isn’t looking too hot.”
Well that was news to me. Looked like Hogan did his homework before showing up.
“So what?” Shirley was back in the game, negotiating, “There are plenty of fish in the investment sea; Rainbow Capital ain’t the only one with deep pockets.”
She was not wrong there.
“Rainbow Capital might just be the only one willing to write that check.” Hogan was still as cool as a cucumber. “President Stapleton, I know it’s tough for you to hand over a guest list, but if we’re talking partnership, that changes things. As stakeholders, we’d have the right to look at any relevant documents: don’t you think?”
Even through a closed door, without seeing the face–off between Hogan and Shirley, I could tell
he had this one in the bag.
“Looks like you came prepared from day one.” Shirley’s tone softened, mixed with a hint of bitterness, “If that’s the case, why bother spending all this time playing pretend with me? Is it because of Cecilia?”
The room fell into a brief silence. A few seconds later, Hogan said: “I definitely have to take her feelings into account.”
A self–deprecating chuckle came from inside; I hear Shirley laugh, “Turns out I was the only one playing for keeps.”
She laughed, but I couldn’t join in. Because soon enough, I realized something.
If Hogan had everything planned out from the get–go, why drag me into this charade for the past couple of days?
In this pointless game, Hogan roped me in, ostensibly to deal with Shirley, but really, he had it all mapped out.
Shirley got played, and I was just an insignificant pawn in this standoff game. All because Hogan needed to snag that guest list for Cecilia, to secure a head start on the FreeMan deal. Man, talked about playing the long game.
I handed off the meds to the hotel staff and quickly packed up, ready to head down the mountain.
Clearly, in this competition, I’d lost to Cecilia. Lost big time.
And the winning Cecilia? She didn’t even show her face. What a joke.
It was just past noon, but the mountain mist made it all hazy. Supported by the railing. I carefully made my way down the steps, the bitterness in my chest scratching at my senses. I missed a step, and almost took a nasty fall.
Good thing I’d got quick reflexes, and grabbed onto the nearby chain. But that sudden jolt of weightlessness just magnified the lump in my throat, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.
Even as a pawn, I guessed I was allowed to feel upset. But if I was just a pawn, why did he have to show up right when it mattered? Wouldn’t it be easier to just let this pawn fend for herself?
The more I thought about it, the more wronged I felt, until finally, hot tears broke free.
Then out of nowhere, a crisp voice hit my ears. “Xaviera, is that really you?”
