The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 143

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My laptop came to life with a soft hum, and I typed Andy Hayes’s name into the search bar. The search results flooded the screen, countless sits on the success of Kamran Hayes‘ prodigal son.

Andy ran a chain of technology businesses that spanned the country, a fact that seemed incongruous with the man I had known years ago. The more I delved into his businesses, the more it became clear that there was more to Andy Hayes than met the eye.

A surge of determination coursed through me. I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away, especially if Andy had a hand in this property dispute, I picked up my phone and dialed the number I had found on his company’s website.

The phone rang, each tone echoing in the quiet of my apartment. My heart raced as I waited for a response. Finally, a voice on the other end said, “Nextech, how may I assist you?”

I took a deep breath, summoning all the courage I had. “Hello, this is Evie Sinclair. I was hoping I would be able to meet with Mr. Hayes this afternoon?”

There was a brief pause, and then the receptionist replied, “Of course, Ms. Sinclair. Mr. Hayes is available this afternoon. Can you come in at two?”

I agreed to the appointment and hung up the phone, my pulse quickening with anticipation. This was a reckless move, but I needed as much leverage in this ast possible.

When the time arrived, I stood outside Nextech, a modern and imposing building that exuded wealth and power. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach, and then entered the building.

The receptionist directed me to Andy’s office, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of trepidation as I approached the imposing door. I knocked gently, and a voice. from inside called, “Come in.”

As I stepped into the office, I was met with the sight of Andy Hayes, who looked just as smug as the last time I’d seen him. He looked completely relaxed, as if he’d expected my call all along.

“Evie,” he said smoothly. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, and so soon.”

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I mustered a friendly smile. doing my best to mask my disgust. “Andy. I hope you’re doing well.”

still wearing a look of bemusement. “I am, thank you. What can I do

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here because your mentioned that your company was considering a new project, and I wanted to

in his chair, a faint

peaked my

see. Well, Nextech has an excellent reputation, so I’m sure you’ve heard

carefully. “I don’t pay too much attention to technology in that way.

said, then pointed at my

the table. It had seen. better days, now adorned with several

of the earlier models of our smartphones. You’d say that it runs pretty well, despite all

nodded and tucked the phone back in my pocket.

details of the supposed project, evidently a revolutionary ordeal that started to lose me as he got

“What you’ve done with your business is truly remarkable. Did you receive any help with all of

and I actually inherited our businesses.” he said matter–of–factly. “Mr. Fitzgerald runs a bit of a monopoly, but he isn’t a superhero. He

JUL 2J IRIDI

Chapter 143

booming since.”

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down my spine. I had suspected that her family’s influence had played a role in

amass such wealth and

sighed, as if the memories weighed heavily on him. “He was a shrewd businessman, Evie, and he had connections in high places. He was able to secure government contracts and partnerships that propelled his companies

played a significant role in Andy’s success, leveraging their connections and influence to build an empire. It was a truth that had been hidden in plain sight

over to the acrylic fountain on the near wall, its thick. streams of water curving and leaping off of the rocks. “I’d like to

“As in

a level of success that allows me to consider other priorities in life. I’ve spent so much time building

me with a lingering sense of unease. The idea of Andy wanting to start a family seemed incongruous with the man I had known in a short span of time. It hinted

walked in. Her entrance was like a sudden storm, filling the room with tension and uncertainty. I couldn’t help but notice the animosity that flared between

Stella said, her voice icy and

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Chapter 148