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

is my case now, and I’ll decide what’s important. You’ll have

pressed 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

to me, her eyes flashing with irritation. “Evie, I’ve got it covered,” she replied curtly.

stunned by her response, even more so since she was undermining me in front of Timothy. I felt a surge of

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

evident, but she begrudgingly relented, though

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Wed, 20

Chapter 24

well, we can

52%

remained tense. I presented my research, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety

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

concluded, Linda wasted no time in cornering me as we exited the conference room. She wore a wide,

through gritted teeth. “Though I would appreciate it

an eyebrow, observing the fragility in her supposedly content demeanor. “With all due respect, Ms. Turner, it shouldn’t matter who is taking the lead, as long as we assist our

could muster up a response, Timothy came up behind us and stood. beside me. He shifted his gaze from Linda to me and

his eyes. “And you too,

her heel and

course,” I said tiredly, and I turned to Timothy,

tell you two are close,” he said

us,” I explained, mustering a smile. Two lawyers on one case are bound to clash, but

that/ “Like

almost couldn’t stomach the word myself, especially

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Chapter 21

legal documents. It had pointed me in a clearer direction than before, but the workload was

him, hoping it

he stated. “And don’t stress yourself out with it. As someone who’s strained himself trying to do it

him, noting the concern in his expression. I must’ve looked as exhausted as I was starting

any longer. I needed to assert myself, claim my rightful

Erickson was seated behind his desk, engrossed in paperwork, but he looked up

speak with you

a trace of annoyance. “What’s the matter, Evie? I trust that Linda is doing an excellent job handling