The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 189

I spent the day walking with Olive around the city. I figured she’d enjoy seeing some sights after being cooped up in our little apartment most days. It was nothing like the spacious home and large, open backyard she had with her mom.

I also longed for a few moments of peace, and feeding bread to the ducks with her seemed to accomplish exactly that. After a quick meal and another long walk, we returned home with her ready to retreat to my room for a nap.

As I sank into the worn–out sofa, half–asleep, I picked up the remote control and turned on the television as some background noise.

The news anchor’s voice filled the room, and my attention was instantly drawn to the screen. The headline flashed in bold letters: “Affair Scandal Rocks Prominent Family”

I squinted at the television, my heart–pounding with trepidation. Stella’s face appeared on the screen. She was seated in an elegant living room, her tearful eyes staring directly into the camera.

“What on earth?” I muttered to myself, my heart racing. I had no idea what could have brought Stella into the spotlight.

The news anchor began to narrate the story. Apparently, an anonymous source had leaked scandalous photos and information about an alleged affair involving Stella, a prominent political figure, and a prominent businessperson. I watched in shock as the photos emerged on the screen, depicting Stella in intimate situations with none other than Andy Hayes

As the images unfolded, my 1

raced to the thumb drive I had retrieved from Andy’s office. Those photos didn’t match the ones on the screen at

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Chapter 189

all, though I’d made my own share of threats. Either way, it was perplexing.

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Evidently, Stella’s PR team had gone into damage control mode. They issued a statement, denying the authenticity of the photos and calling them “baseless fabrications.” The lawyer in me couldn’t help but analyze the situation.

The power of denial and deflection was a powerful tactic, especially when someone’s reputation was at stake. But the photos seemed so real, and the media’s response was mixed. Some outlets were skeptical, while others chose to give Stella the benefit of the doubt.

I watched in awe as Stella, looking disheveled and emotionally distraught, appeared on the screen. Her voice trembled as she spoke to the media.

can’t believe someone would do this to our family,” she sobbed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “Timothy and I were just on the brink of a new beginning, a fresh start, and now someone is purposefully trying

sympathy for her if you didn’t know the truth. Stella was just as much of an actress as she was a model, and she knew how to work the media. Her heartfelt plea tugged

the unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew the truth about the thumb drive, and I had seen

plea for understanding in the face of the scandal. The cameras

broke the scripted narrative. He asked a question that cut through the carefully constructed image

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Chapter 189

Fitzgerald.

第三020%

20% #13:39

to light so soon after the passing of

shock. My own heart skipped a beat as his words started

Could

please repeat that question?” Stella’s voice trembled as

it not a strange coincidence that this affair scandal has come to light so soon after the death of Mrs. Hayes? Her death was declared this morning, and now

doubt over the situation, and the

eyes away from the screen, my heart racing. I

hall to Timothy’s apartment. Panic set in, and I knocked incessantly, calling his name. “Timothy!

remained silent, the shades

stepped back, my mind racing with worry. I couldn’t help but wonder if Timothy was aware of

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Chapter 189

each passing second.

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my fingers shook as I dialed his number. The phone rang several times,

voicemail.

my voice wavering with concern. “It’s Evie. I just saw the news, and I’m so sorry about your mother. Please, call