The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 197

091%

12:38

I lacked the urge to get out of bed that Monday morning, still exhausted from Timothy and I’s trip to the beach. I had been restless the whole night because of it.

Something was different. I could feel it in the air.

My phone buzzed, and the notification read: “Meeting in 40 minutes – Scarlett.” I exhaled slowly and rose from my bed, straightening my night gown. I had almost forgotten about the dispute with everything that had happened, but perhaps this meeting would mark the end of it all.

Otherwise, it would have to be taken into court.

I was just on time as I entered the grandiose conference room, my footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. Scarlett sat at the head of the long mahogany table, her meticulously coiffed auburn hair a gleaming beacon of power. Stella, in her characteristic all–red attire, seemed even more enigmatic than ever. Her lawyer, a middle- aged man with a polished veneer of sophistication, stood by her side, clutching a stack of documents.

Stella’s piercing eyes locked onto mine, and I could see a mixture of anger, defiance, and desperation in her gaze. I knew we were on the edge of something dreadful.

“Evie,” Stella began, her voice laced with bitterness. “Scarlett and I have come to an agreement.”

I nodded, urging her to continue, though a feeling of dread pooled in my stomach.

“I want nothing to do with the estate,” Stella declared, her tone unwavering. “Considering the lengths that you and my so–called sister have gone to for it, I figured it was no longer worth the risk.”

Scarlett’s eyes darted between Stella and me, her perfect mask of indifference slipping for just a moment. I knew that she hadn’t expected this turn of events. I had seen the conversations and scheming between the sisters unfold, but Stella’s sudden abandonment of the estate was a twist I hadn’t foreseen.

Stella’s lawyer handed me a document, which I skimmed through, It was an official document, relinquishing Stella’s claim to the vast family estate. This was the first of many dominos to fall, I was sure.

I glanced at Scarlett, who had yet to utter a word. Her face remained an enigma, but there was a certain tension. in her shoulders that belied her true emotions.

1/4

© X

091% 12:38

Chapter 197

from everything, Stella,”

warmth in it. “Oh, Scarlett, don’t pretend you care about my reputation.

eyes narrowed. “I’ve always had your best interests at heart,” Scarlett insisted, her voice growing colder. “I never wanted

drop the act, Scarlett. You had a vendetta against me,

between the two sisters who seemed to hold hardly

clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and frustration. “Stella, I may have been irrational, but I never wanted to destroy you. I

lawyer shifted uneasily, clearly uncomfortable with the heated exchange. Stella’s expression remained unyielding. “Scarlett, your words mean nothing to me now. You’ve crossed a line, and you’ve shown that you’re willing to do anything to maintain

resolve this amicably?” I

heavy with emotions. I could see the turmoil etched in Scarlett’s face, and the unyielding resolve in

here,” Scarlett said, her tone softening. “We don’t have to let it come to this. We can find a way to work together,

onto mine. I could see the doubt and the flicker of hope in

is willing to make amends. We can find a way to rebuild what’s been broken. It won’t be easy, but it might be worth

mediated settlement could be the best course of action. It’s clear that both parties have grievances, and it would be in everyone’s best interest to reach a

2/4

Emergency calls onlyML

Chapter 197

091%

12:38

+5

Scarlett, who held her breath, waiting for her sister’s response. The room seemed

no grievances.

to fight that notion, but

and distant. “Let’s

a nod, Stella picked up the documents and began to read through them. The agreement had been meticulously prepared, outlining the terms of their settlement. It was a complex web of legal jargon,

to salvage some semblance of their fractured relationship. But it was becoming increasingly clear that they had become strangers

to offer guidance, explaining the details and implications of the agreement. Stella, her pride begrudgingly set aside,

documents as a witness, knowing that it was my role to ensure the legality of this pivotal moment. It pained me to see the sisters part on such bitter

completed agreement back to Scarlett, her eyes devoid of emotion. Scarlett, with a curt nod, gathered her

me. The door closed behind them, leaving me alone with Scarlett. She turned to me, though

suppose this is it,” she said. “Thank you, Evie. You’ve been