The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 169

I sat alone at the corner table of the cozy coffee shop, nursing my cooling cappuccino and trying to drown out the world with the soothing hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. It was my temporary refuge from the storm that had recently swept through my life.

My phone buzzed, shattering the peaceful ambiance. Penny’s name flashed on the screen, and I hesitated before answering. The last thing I wanted was to discuss my latest misadventures, but I couldn’t ignore her call.

“Hey, Evie,” Penny’s voice was gentle, filled with concern. “Have you heard anything from Timothy about that email yet?”

I sighed, running a hand through my tangled hair. “Not a word,” I replied, frustration lacing my voice. Though I’m not sure I would be the first person he’d run to should he come across the email any time soon. Stella and Andy were the main points of interest, after all.

“He mentioned he had a ton of fan mail to sort through,” I added, hopefully casing her distress, as I heard her sigh over the phone. “So who know when he’ll be able to actually read the email.”

Penny’s reassuring tone came through the phone. “Hang in there, Evie. You did nothing wrong. This whole thing is just a mess, but we’ll figure it out.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Thanks, Penny. I’ll update you if anything happens.”

Just as Penny was about to say something more, there was a new disruption. The coffee shop’s door swung open, and a tall, lean figure walked in. Jasper, the very person who had helped force me into this mess, strolled in without a care in the world.

I watched as he approached the counter, seemingly unaware of my presence, and ordered a coffee. I nearly shook with repulsion, watching as he flirted with the barista with that supposed charm and charisma that all my old coworkers boasted

about.

Those qualities had never fooled me. Underneath that polished exterior was a calculating opportunist who had used my work and his family name to boost his career. And now, the same scheming nature that had propelled him upwards was

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Chapter 169

a free

his pocket. He picked it up and answered with an impatient,

other end of the line. His voice carried across the café,

anger as he paced back and forth near the counter. “You were supposed to handle that account

smirk that tugged at the corners of my lips. For once, it was Jasper who was in the hot seat, and I was relishing every moment of

mouth. “And my uncle will be hearing about your poor

a screaming man–child, red–faced and stomping about without any concern on how he appeared. Other patrons

know, Nigel!” Jasper growled. “Maybe tell your kids that because of their incompetent father, they won’t

the phone screen. He turned to survey the coffee shop, his eyes scanning the room until

Evie,” he said, striding over to my table. “If it isn’t the prodigal ex-

him any longer. I met his gaze with a cool, determined look of my own. “Just enjoying a coffee, Jasper. What about you? Having a little meltdown, are

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with anger. “You have no idea what’s going on in

idea,” I replied, my tone laced with sarcasm. “It seems like you’ve run into a bit of trouble at work, now

and looked around, like I’d spoken those words just a bit too loudly. “Oh, please. I was just helping you get your practice in. I could’ve done those in

your paid help does all

you? You always were a bitter, jealous little thing before I exposed your opportunistic

long boiled over. I stood up abruptly, knocking my chair back with a loud scrape against the floor. The other patrons turned

I said, my voice trembling with rage. “You have no idea, Jasper. I’m looking at a pathetic loser who can’t