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.”

look of bemusement. “I am, thank you. What can I do for you on this

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

back in his chair, a faint smile playing on

said swiftly. “You may have peaked my curiosity back

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

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

worries,” he said, then pointed at my pants

my phone and setting it on the table. It had

earlier models of our smartphones. You’d say that it

phone back

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

“What you’ve done with your business is truly remarkable.

“Mr. Fitzgerald runs a bit of a monopoly, but he isn’t a superhero. He offered to drop some of

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Chapter 143

booming since.”

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mention of Stella’s father sent a 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 Timothy’s. Hearing it

how did Mr. Fitzgerald amass such wealth and

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

a significant role in Andy’s success, leveraging their connections

a little repetitive at times though,” he added. suddenly. His eyes drifted 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 settle down

“As in starting a

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

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

press further, the door to Andy’s office swung open, and Stella 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

need to talk,” Stella said, her voice

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Chapter 148