Chapter 189
As I talked, I started playing with the silverware, which drew all eyes to me. Then, with some cucumber and radish strips, I crafted the letter “L”
“Welcome, Mr. Temple,” I said with a grin, while pointing at the cake, “Check it out, a
one–of–a–kind design.”
Timothy gave me a cool glance and said with a beaming smile, “Xaviera, you’re just so creative, you know? It’s my first time ever having the honor of eating such a cake.”
His tone was crisp, and at that moment, he put on a bit of a coquettish act; he also sneaked a peek at Cecilia while doing so; his whole demeanor was childish, mischievous yet somewhat endearing.
I figured that only a family like the Temples could produce a character as wild as him.
Thankfully, his showy personality was pretty good at livening up the vibe, so the atmosphere got back to its easygoing state.
“So, how about we all dig in and try this flavor?” Wallis, ever the expert at reading the room, snatched a cake knife from a waiter and made a beeline for the cake.
The plot twist was a bit unexpected.
But since the cake was already sliced, it was time to dole it out.
Considering the protagonist’s role, I handed the first piece to Timothy.
Timothy waved it off, saying, “Xaviera, that’s not cool. You just said that Mr. Zade’s been busting his chops on this Pinecrest Hollow trip, so this piece here should go to Mr. Zade.”
I was taken aback by Timothy’s uncharacteristic magnanimity and, after giving him a look of admiration, happily passed the cake to Hogan.
“Mr. Temple’s right, Mr. Zade, please enjoy.”
Hogan looked at the slice in front of him and snorted, “Ms. March seems to forget that I don’t do sweets.”
I was at a loss for words when Hogan declined the cake in front of everyone; Cecilia had made
it herself, after all.
Then Cecilia chimed in, “Hogan, I made a low–sugar one, so give it a try.”
Hogan relented; he glanced at Cecilia, and finally accepted the cake.
And with that, the awkward scene drew to a close.
The rest of the time was just chilling at home, eating and drinking. Hogan didn’t touch his cake, but thank goodness Zora and the others were quite the live wires, so the mood wasn’t too bad.
The hustle and bustle lasted over an hour.
1/2
11:37
Chapter 189
Feeling pretty good, I indulged in a couple of drinks, and before I knew it, my head was spinning. I slipped out of the main hall quietly while everyone was busy and headed for the corridor.
A cold breeze hit me as I rounded the corner; the window was left open, and the wind numbed my scalp.
That’s when I realized that Rivertown had stealthily slipped into the coldest time of the year.
I thought, just weather this bone–chilling period, and there should be a glimmer of hope on the other side.
With that thought, the weight on my chest felt a tad lighter.
As my senses returned, I spun around, only to lock eyes with the tall figure standing a couple of steps behind me.
Hogan had been standing there silently all along.
Backlit, I couldn’t make out his expression, and just caught a vague sense of an icy, keep–away aura radiating from him.
“Mr. Zade,” I asked politely, “Is there something you need?”
With his eyes lifted slightly, he looked down at me with a detached air, and remarked, “Ms. March, your talent for charming men seems to be getting more and more polished.”
Meeting Hogan’s gaze, I caught the flash of scorn in his eyes.
I couldn’t help but remember that those deep and unfathomable eyes had once shown a moment of tenderness in the suite of the Lucky Hotel.
But now, it seemed more like my own illusion.
I gave a tight smile and responded calmly, “You flatter me, Mr. Zade. Your knack for getting under people’s skin is getting quite refined too.”
