The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 120

Walking into the law firm felt like stepping into a lion’s den. The scandal that had engulfed my life had found its way into the workplace, and my co–workers seemed all too eager to taunt me. They huddled in small groups, whispering and casting judgmental glances in my direction. I could hear their hushed voices, their words dripping with malice, as they listened to Jasper’s slanderous tales.

had expected some level of hostility, but the reality of their taunts and sneers cut deeper than I could have imagined. I had become a pariah in my own workplace, a target of ridicule and gossip.

As I made my way to my desk, I couldn’t escape the feeling of being watched. Their gazes bore into me, their smirks and knowing looks far from hidden.

“I don’t know how we didn’t see it,” one coworker, Talia, muttered. “She was always so bold with him. Jasper was right.”

Another one chimed in, “No wonder I haven’t been moving up. Clearly, some people don’t have to work as hard…”

Jasper, emboldened by the attention he was receiving, had taken to openly fueling the gossip. He didn’t even attempt to hide his satisfaction as he regaled my co- workers with his version of the story. His accusations were as cruel as they were baseless, and I could feel the walls closing in on me.

“I thought he was taking advantage at first,” he said, standing in the middle of the room where others have gathered. “But after hearing that one conversation, I realized who she really was.”

“Really!” Talia exclaimed, casting a glare in my direction. “And she always looked so innocent before, walking around in oversized sweaters and long sweaters. A guess she figured the librarian look wouldn’t give her the opportunities she needed.”

Lori guffawed. “Oh! No wonder she’s been looking like a skank recently!”

At that, the group erupted with laughter, barely acknowledging the need for curtesy at that point.

I knew I couldn’t let this continue. I needed to confront Erickson, to demand that

he dismiss Jasper’s claims and put an end to this madness. With a determined

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D

Chapter 120

way to Erickson’s office and

in paperwork, when I entered. He looked up,

my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. “You need to do something about Jasper. His lies are ruining my

more than an inconvenience. “Evie, I’ve already spoken to Jasper. He assured me that he’s merely stating the

a surge of anger and frustration. “How? You were there, and you known dam well that I wouldn’t even lay

my insult hardly grazed him. I suppose it wouldn’t. He wasn’t exactly considered the victim in the eyes

hardly touch him, and

know it. Jasper is using this situation to boost his own ego and credibility.

playing on his lips. “Evie, you and I both know that you’ve benefited

the truth to fit his own narrative. The

as Jasper is,” I accused, my voice trembling with emotion. “You can’t even

him behind with his smug expression. The weight of the situation, the relentless gossip

sense of isolation and despair weighed heavily on me, and I wondered if there was any way

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Chapore 120

status as a competent and hardworking

apartment, I could barely carry myself inside before falling to my knees by the door. The scandal that had tainted my life was now seeping into every corner, and all I had were

was met with the sight of Penny sitting on the couch. She was watching me; her look full of pity as she stood up and

let me in. I heard everything,” Penny stated gently, taking my hand. I

sank into the

terrible, Penny,” I began. “The hate just won’t stop. Everywhere I go, people want to know who

concern deepening. “But surely you c do something about it, right? Can you confront them

Penny. I confronted Erickson, told him to dismiss Jasper’s claims, but he’s just as complicit in this mess. He won’t lift

placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Evie.