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.

with a tissue. “Timothy and I were just on the brink of a new beginning, a fresh

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

stomach. I knew the truth about the thumb drive, and I had seen the

story, emphasizing Stella’s emotional state and her plea for understanding in the face of the

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

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Chapter 189

Fitzgerald.

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reporter inquired, “is it not a strange coincidence that this affair scandal has come to light so soon after the passing of your fiancé’s mother? Could you clarify the

fell silent as Stella stared at the reporter, her face contorted in shock. My own heart skipped a beat

Could

question?” Stella’s voice trembled as she spoke, and she

come to light so soon after the death of Mrs. Hayes? Her death was declared this morning, and now that this

composure faltering. The reporter had cast a shadow of doubt over the situation, and the media room buzzed

my eyes away from the screen, my heart

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

apartment remained silent, the shades drawn, and no

with worry. I couldn’t help but wonder if Timothy was aware

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Chapter 189

each passing second.

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Timothy, and my fingers shook as I dialed his number. The phone rang several times, but it

voicemail.

concern. “It’s Evie. I just saw the news, and I’m so sorry about your mother. Please, call me when you