The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 77

The woman’s eyes widened in surprise, and she seemed taken aback by my reaction. “Wait, I know you. You’re the woman who helped me that night.”

My jaw tightened as I crossed my arms over my chest, my skepticism unwavering. “Is that what you call it? You lied to me!”

She looked genuinely apologetic now, her gaze dropping to the ground. “I know, and I’m so sorry. It wasn’t right, and I feel awful about it.”

“Oh, that’s rich!” I barked.

“Please, let me explain!” she pleaded, raising her hands in surrender.

I hesitated, still hardly containing my anger. “Explain? What could you possibly say to justify what you did?”

She took a deep breath, her eyes locked onto mine. “I owe you an apology. I guess I didn’t really consider how crazy fans would get. I’m truly sorry.”

My brow furrowed as I regarded her cautiously. “Apology? You expect me to believe that?” The woman nodded, her expression earnest. “I am. You see, I needed a story to keep my job, so when I saw you coming out the firm, I pounced.”

“So you’re just another desperate reporter,” I said icily, jamming a finger in her face. “And I don’t think you realize just how insane Timothy’s fans are.”

She looked genuinely apologetic now, her gaze dropping to the ground. “Trust me, I do. Which is why I regret it deeply.”

I kissed my teeth and adjusted the purse on my shoulder. Her apology was sounding pretty lousy so far. Looking at her down, her older, homely appearance. has also diminished significantly.

She had a round but upbeat face framed by wavy, black hair. Her gray eyes were round and expressive, and they certainly seemed downtrodden in that moment. She looked cleaner overall, having exchanged the theater impression of a homeless woman with a cardigan and some slacks.

“Who even are you?” I asked, my gaze tracing over her. “I mean, when you’re not impersonating homeless people, that is.”

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12:23 Fri, 22 Mar (D)

Chapter 77

her voice sincere as she began to speak. “My name is Penelope Carter, but everyone calls me Penny. I’m a

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firmly in place. “Well, Penny, I’m not sure what you’re expecting from

now?”

you to know that I genuinely appreciate the kindness you showed me that night. You didn’t have to

I found myself listening more closely to her words. “That was a crappy thing for

find a way to make things right,” she continued, her voice. low and barely

convinced of her sincerity. “And how do you plan to do that?” Penny’s gaze never wavered as she spoke. “I’ve been following

Part of me itched to see how deep she’d gotten into Timothy’s private life, and just how much of it exposed his relation to me. I was already being dragged through

want to

curiosity. “Help? In what way?” She took

to counter any negative publicity or scandals that might come in your or Timothy’s way. I believe you

but also a spark of hope. Could Penny’s

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Fri, 22 Ma

Chapter 77

case?

head–on. “I understand that you don’t trust me, but I promise

the wheels turning in my mind. Could I trust her again, especially after her previous deceit? “And

something positive for a change. On a more selfish note, helping a big star like Timothy could. boost my business, which I’m sure you know

cautious optimism began to creep in as I weighed her words.

I can even help you navigate the negative attention

having someone with Penny’s abilities on our side. This may have been something that I needed to speak with Timothy about,

I’ll consider it. But know

lit up with gratitude, and she quickly scribbled down her contact information on

only try and feel hopeful about what’s to

giving me this opportunity,” Penny said

gaze.