Chapter 182
Timothy’s 180 really knocked my socks off.
But at the end of the day, it’s his call. I shouldn’t butt in willy–nilly, plus I’m not one to bite the hand that feeds me. I’ve got a hunch that he’s got his reasons; maybe he’s trying to right some
wrongs.
I’m a few years his senior, which is, to be honest, a bit embarrassing to admit.
Seeing me keep mum, Timothy scratched his head and said, “What I mean is, the thrill of life is all about pushing your limits, you get me, Xaviera?”
Staring at Timothy’s goofy look, I asked patiently, “What are you actually thinking about this collaboration?”
Is he just blowing off steam, or has he really thought it through?
“I’m dead serious,” Timothy confessed, “I never mess around with work. What, you don’t fancy partnering up with me?”
I caught Timothy’s probing gaze and replied, “Of course, teaming up with FreeMan is an honor for us.”
Timothy snorted, “Just an honor? You sure know how to play it cool, Xavi.”
Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I forced a smile and said. “And a pleasure, too.”
Timothy seemed pleased with that answer, and a trace of a smile finally broke through his stiff facade. “You’re just being polite. But since you’re under the weather, I’ll let it slide.”
I heaved a silent sigh of relief and said, “I’ll work the angles on the collaboration. You go rest up, and I’ll hit you up when there’s news.”
Having such a headstrong guy stick around as my bedside companion is more than I can
handle.
Timothy seemed to read my mind, so he nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll listen to you.
Before long, I was left alone in the ward, and my palms were still sweating from the verbal sparring match earlier.
It’s clear Hogan’s got a beef with Timothy. Pulling off this partnership won’t be a walk in the park.
After mulling it over, I decided to seek out Hogan once more.
But I ended up running into Cecilia, who was packing Hogan’s bags in the suite.
The girl was holding Hogan’s undershirt and folding it with extreme care.
Looks like they were planning to head back to Rivertown.
1/2
11:36
Chapter 162
Cecilia did a double–take when she saw me, then she greeted me with a smile, “Xaviera, looking for Hogan?”
I came clean, “I’d like to talk business with him.”
“So, it’s about partnering with Mr. Temple.” Cecilia blinked her almond eyes and gave me a knowing look, “Honestly, I’m all for it.”
I didn’t expect Cecilia to voice her opinion in front of me, and I silently gave her a glance without responding.
Then I heard her continue, “I didn’t see it coming that Mr. Temple was FreeMan as well, but that doesn’t seem to matter. As the project’s been dragging, it would be time–consuming to find a new concept artist, and the guy we find may not even pan out. And,”
Cecilia paused for a moment, then added, “FreeMan’s talent is recognized by everyone. If we collaborate with him, we can keep the reins in our hands. It’s a win–win. Why not go for it?”
I didn’t expect Cecilia to be so perceptive. Caught off guard, I could say nothing but, “That still depends on Mr. Zade’s decision. If it’s not too much trouble, I hope Director Irwin can put in a good word for us.”
“Of course, but you know, Xaviera, once Hogan makes a decision, it’s not easily swayed.”
Cecilia was speaking the truth, and that’s what gave me a headache. I continued. “You’re no ordinary person. Mr. Zade should take your words to heart.”
