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.

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 to tarnish our reputation before we can even

raw emotion that it was hard not to feel 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 at the heartstrings of the public, and many people began to question the authenticity of the

I couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew the truth about the thumb drive,

anchor continued to narrate the story, emphasizing Stella’s emotional state and her plea for understanding in the face of the scandal. The cameras panned over

He asked a question

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Chapter 189

Fitzgerald.

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to light so soon after the passing of your

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

Could

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

and his words hung heavy in the air. “Is 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 that this has spilled

hesitated, her composure faltering. The reporter had cast a shadow of doubt over the situation, and the

from the screen, my

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

no response. The apartment remained silent, the shades drawn, and no sign of

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

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Chapter 189

each passing second.

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pushed me to call Timothy, and my fingers shook as I dialed

voicemail.

began, my voice wavering with concern. “It’s Evie. I just saw the news, and I’m so sorry about your mother. Please, call me when you get this. I’m here for