The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 138

The brisk winter air stung my cheeks as I arrived at cafe. Determination coursed through my veins like a steady heartbeat. I needed answers, and I knew Scarlett was the one who could provide them.

Scarlett and I had arranged to meet in a quiet, out–of–the–way cafe where we could talk privately. As I waited for her to arrive, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Scarlett was no stranger to the Hayes family, and her knowledge ran deep.

When Scarlett finally walked through the cafe door, she looked as regal and composed as ever. Her long, auburn hair cascaded down her back, and her emerald–green eyes held a glint of curiosity as she approached our table. We exchanged a polite greeting, but it was clear that tension simmered beneath the

surface.

“Evie,” she began, her voice cool and measured, “I understand you’re rather curious about our family’s affairs.”

I didn’t waste any time getting to the point. “I want to understand why Stella is so determined to get her hands on the estate, Scarlett. There’s more to this than meets the eye, and I want the truth.”

Scarlett’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Ah, the truth. That’s a slippery thing, isn’t it? But I suppose you’re entitled to some answers.”

I leaned forward, my voice earnest. “Start with the will. What did it specify about the estate?”

Scarlett’s gaze hardened, and she fixed me with a piercing stare. “The will, my dear Evie, was quite clear. It stated that the estate would go to the firstborn Fitzgerald child who married and had a child of their own.”

I frowned, puzzled by the simplicity of the stipulation. “So, it’s all about inheritance?”

“Yes,” she said flatly. “I am the first born, and I had the child. As you can see, however, there is no husband.”

“Oh,” I said softly. From the direction things were going, it seemed that Stella was on her way to fulfilling parts of those conditions.”

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Chapter 138

bitter sound that cut through the air. “Of course, it’s never that simple when it comes to the my family.

curiosity piqued. “What

eyes narrowing as she regarded me with a calculating gaze. “It’s all up to the Hayes family, Evie. I know what it took for them. to

Hayes family had come from old money, that Timothy was naturally wealthy. But Scarlett’s revelation hinted

you saying, Scarlett?”

wealthy. In fact, they were far from

listened to Scarlett’s words. The image I had held of the Hayes family as old–money aristocrats

built on corruption?”

Kamran’s deal with Sam. Fitzgerald opened the doors to a world of wealth and privilege, but it came

of unease. The Hayes family’s rise to power had been built on a foundation of deception and deceit, and now Stella was determined to reap the benefits. That

with thoughts and questions.

gleamed with a knowing look. “Stella wants control, Evie. Control of the family’s empire and everything that comes with it. She knows that the estate is

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I asked, my voice filled with determination. “If we were

leaned in closer, her voice a low whisper. “We need to

Expose the truth?

affected Timothy. Had he been aware of the shady dealings that had propelled his family

knew I couldn’t afford to be distracted. My case against Stella was too important, and I needed to focus on gathering evidence to expose the truth, even if he

Scarlett handed me then. The case against Stella was complex, and I needed to be prepared for whatever tactics she might employ. If Stella had a history of getting what she wanted by any means necessary,

“You know, Evie,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of mischief, “there’s something strange going

from my papers, intrigued by her cryptic

power

have they

with a mischievous glint. “I’ve noticed that they’ve been spending a lot of time together lately, whispering in corners and exchanging secretive

urging Scarlett to continue. “Do you have any idea what