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.”

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

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play along with my ruse, feigning interest. “I’m here because your mentioned that your company was considering a new

a faint smile playing on

peaked my

an excellent reputation, so I’m sure you’ve heard quite a few

pay too much attention to technology in that way. I’m more

then pointed at my pants pocket. “Here. let me

on the table. It had

one of the earlier models of our smartphones. You’d say that

nodded and tucked the phone back in my pocket. “I would say

lose me as he got more technical in language. Andy grew more comfortable with my

me as I probed further. “What you’ve done with your business is truly remarkable. Did you receive

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 offered to drop some of the responsibility on us

JUL 2J IRIDI

Chapter 143

booming since.”

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shiver down my spine. I had suspected that her family’s influence had played a role in Andy’s success, though it had almost ruined

Mr. Fitzgerald amass such wealth and

had connections in high places.

of the puzzle were starting to fall into place. Stella’s family had indeed played a significant role in Andy’s success, leveraging their connections

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

furrowed. “As in

were contemplating a future that had always been just out of reach. “I’ve achieved a level of success that allows me to consider other priorities in life. I’ve spent so much time building my businesses, and perhaps it’s time to explore what else life

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 at a vulnerability and desire for something more than power and

walked in. Her entrance was like a sudden storm, filling

to talk,” Stella said, her voice icy and

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Chapter 148