The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 24

Thursday evening came and we were once again settled into the spacious conference room. Timothy had yet to arrive, so it was just Linda and I trapped in each other’s company. I couldn’t help but notice how she arranged the files and documents on her desk, subtly pushing my work to the sidelines.

She turned to me, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Evie, I’ve reviewed your initial work on Mr. Hayes‘ case,” she said, her voice oozing with condescension. “I have a few ideas on how to proceed. You can assist me by taking notes during the meeting with Timothy this afternoon.”

Assist. The word stung like a slap to the face. I had spent weeks preparing for this case, diving into the legal intricacies, and now Linda was reducing me to a mere note–taker. I clenched my fists, trying to swallow the anger that was bubbling up inside me.

“Actually, Linda, I’d like to discuss some of my ideas for the case during the meeting.” I responded, my voice steady.

Linda raised an eyebrow, her icy blue eyes studying me with a calculated look. “Evie, this is a high–stakes case, and I have extensive experience in handling such matters. I’ll be taking the lead during the meeting.”

I could feel my cheeks flushing with anger, but I had to choose my battles wisely. With gritted teeth, I agreed, “Okay, Linda. Have it your way.”

There was a light knock on the door and Timothy poked his head in. “Good evening.”

I opened my mouth, ready to greet him, but Linda beat me to it. “Hello, Mr. Hayes!”

He shut the door and took the seat next to me, nodding at me in greeting. “Hope I didn’t take too long. Hockey practice ran late today.”

“You’re right on time,” I was able to slip in before Linda could. “I hope practice went well.”

He snorted, folding his arms over his chest. “What little practice I could get in, yeah.”

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Chapter 24

“We should get started,” Linda interrupted, putting away any need for pleasantries. She shifted her chair over so that she was within armlength of Timothy, then picked up her folder. “Mr. Hayes, I trust you were able to read my email all the way through last night?”

I raised an eyebrow and turned to Timothy. “Email? What email?”

“Oh, Ms. Turner just provided be with her own analysis and suggestions,” Timothy explained, then turned to her. “I did look through it all and I came up with a few questions…”

“Hold on.” I held up a hand, drawing their attention back to me. “Linda, I’ve already prepared a detailed analysis of the case, and I think it’s crucial that we go over it during the meeting.”

Linda’s response was dismissive, as if she couldn’t be bothered with my input. “Evie, I’ve already outlined the agenda for the meeting. We’ll discuss my strategy, and I’ll handle the presentation.”

I refused to back down. “Linda, I’ve been working on this case from the beginning. My analysis could provide valuable insights that could help us win this case.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned in closer, her voice dripping with

and I’ll decide what’s important. You’ll have

on regardless, ignoring her cold stare, “But I wanted to address the instances of discriminatory language used within the team’s internal. communications. These messages make it abundantly clear that Mr. Hayes‘ reduced playtime is not based on performance

I’ve got it covered,” she replied curtly. “I appreciate your input, but we’re

she was undermining me in front of Timothy. I felt a surge of anger building within me, but I had

in, startling us both, “I’m interested in hearing what Evie has to say. I’m more familiar with her thought process,

irritation was evident, but she begrudgingly relented, though not without

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Chapter 24

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pounding with a mix of anxiety and determination. More than ever,

leaned forward, his eyes fixed on me with a focused intensity. He asked questions, probing and inquisitive. It was a moment of validation, a glimmer of hope that my hard work might not be in vain. Linda watched with

time in cornering me as we exited the conference room. She wore a wide, almost chilling smile however, though her voice had

gritted teeth. “Though I would appreciate it if you didn’t

in her supposedly content demeanor. “With all due respect, Ms. Turner, it shouldn’t matter who is taking the lead, as

behind us and stood. beside me. He

his eyes. “And you too, Ms. Turner. I’m glad Evie has someone to take the load off, as much as she

sure she needs it,” said Linda, and she turned on her heel and walked away.

I turned

you two are close,” he said jokingly, and I

case are bound to clash, but

at that/ “Like

almost couldn’t stomach the word myself, especially since that

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Chapter 21

tasked me to analyze and research several legal documents.

I’m a lawyer in training,” I told him, hoping it would

yourself out with it. As someone

I was starting to feel, or he was

let Linda’s behavior go unchecked. any longer. I needed to assert myself, claim my rightful place. I headed

seated behind his desk, engrossed in paperwork, but he looked up as I

I wanted to speak with you about Ms.

his eyes betraying a trace of annoyance. “What’s the matter, Evie? I trust