NovelEnglishChapter 9
“Hogan, talk about a coincidence.” Hilary stuttered while kicking off the conversation, “Xaviera’s back in
Rivertown, and she’s got herself a boyfriend.”
Elders sure know how to hit the nail on the head.
But this topic didn’t tickle Hogan's fancy. He just glanced indifferently at his watch and reminded her, “The
auction’s about to start.”
“Shoot, almost forgot why we're here.” Hilary said enthusiastically, grabbing my hand, “Xaviera, let's do lunch
sometsoon, and bring your boyfriend along so | can give him the once-over.”
Just polite chit-chat. | didn’t take it to heart, just nodded along to play nice.
But Hilary
ry seemed to feel that wasn’t enough, shooting Hogan a look and saying, “Con, say
something, will you?”
Hogan let out a cold snort, “You two close or something?”
The temperature in the room dropped to freezing in an instant.
But Hogan was right, without him, Hilary and | were like two ships passing in the night.
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| found my own way out, “Mrs. Hilary, Mr. Zade, I've got to run.”
It tooka moment to muster that line.
I'd paid my dues to the money god, now it was tto make my exit.
In the background, | could vaguely hear Hilary asking, “Why does Xaviera call you Mr. Zade?”
There was a hint of probing in her tone.
| rubbed my throbbing temples and silently headed to the happliances section.
It was half an hour later when | finally bought an air purifier. The vendor was decent enough to offer free
delivery, which putat ease as | headed downstairs.
When | passed the third-floor food court in the elevator, a lively crowd headed my way, led by none other than
class rep Darren.
Dressed in a black collared jacket over a white tee, dark casual pants, and sporting silver-rimmed glasses, he
looked every bit the family man.
Truth be told, he didn’t join a big company after college but stayed on campus to teach.
If | was not mistaken, those tagging along were probably his students.
He had always been Mr. Popular.
| was debating whether to say hi when Darren spotted me.
He walked briskly towards the elevator, smiling, “Xaviera, what are the odds?”
11:37
Chapter 9
His young companions followed suit, their curious eyes on me. One of them joked, “Professor. Yearwood, you're
quite the charmer, aren't you?”
“Cut it out.” he said with his usual humility, “She’s Xaviera, my former classmate. Technically, she’s your senior.”
The youngsters straightened up and chorused, “Hello, Xaviera!”
Their antics were amusing.
When we hit the ground floor, the bunch scattered like they’d planned it, not before askingto look after their
Professor Yearwood.
Darren had been drinking.
We headed to the parking lot together, and | called him a ride.
He asked when | wasn’t getting in, “Aren’t you joining?”
“Not on my way.” | said truthfully, not wanting to burden him, “I've called for a ride.”
Darren sighed, stepping out of the car but now holding a beige plaid business bag.
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“Thanks for the website help last time,” he said earnestly, “Consider this a token of my gratitude.”
Whether by coincidence or not, the bag matched my laptop size perfectly. It was finely crafted, high-quality
leather, obviously expensive.
| declined, “This isn’t right, | hardly did anything.”
“Is it not to your liking?” Darren’s tone was one of disappointed self-reproach, “Seems I'm no good at picking
gifts.”
“That's not what | meant.”
“Then take it,” he insisted unusually firmly, “I was presumptuous this time, can we not make a habit of it?”
After showing a face like he was ready to reflect on his actions, | knew | had to accept the kindness, so | nodded
reluctantly.
Only then did Darren seem reassured, getting back in the car but remindingto message him once | got
home.
Watching the car fade away. | turned towards the subway entrance, but after just a couple of steps, the crisp
sound of a lighter caught my attention.
| glanced over, puzzled, and there was Hogan, not too far off.
His face flickered uncertainly through the wafting smoke.
| moved forward without a word, only to hear his chilling voice, “Is that the new design you've picked out?”
11:37
Hogan's gaze rested on the business bag in my hand as he spoke.
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