The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 223

*097%

11:25

+5

“Stella?” The name escaped my lips in disbelief as I registered the familiar face standing before me, her expression seemingly pleasant.

Her smile widened, displaying perfect teeth. “Surprised, Evie?”

My mind raced, attempting to process the sudden appearance of my coworker outside the office premises. Stella was friendly, but she seldom ventured outside the professional realm during work hours. Her sudden

appearance in the middle of the street felt odd, almost surreal.

“Stella, what are you doing here?” I stammered, trying to compose myself.

“I just happened to be in the neighborhood,” she replied casually, though her eyes flickered with an intensity that unnerved me.

I glanced around, noticing the passersby, but the street seemed oddly deserted. Unease settled in the pit of my stomach. “I need to get back to work,” I said, taking a step backward.

“Evie,” Stella’s voice was gen

which somehow increased my unease. “It’s a little late to be working. I guess that promotion really set you up for some busy hours, huh?”

I blinked rapidly. I didn’t think she’d be paying that much attention to any news surrounding my name. I’d already taken a piece of property from her as well as her ex–fiancé. I figured just seeing my face would disgust

her, but she looked serene in the moment.

“You heard about that,” I murmured, adjusting my purse over my shoulder.

She smirked. “Who hasn’t? I suppose you’ve had enough practice by now. Good for you.”

“Thank you?” I managed, my voice caught between astonishment and caution. I didn’t mean for it to sound like a question. “I hope things are going well for you, Stella.”

caught the twitch in her eyebrow as she looked away. “Well enough. Of course, there’s no wedding to prepare for now, and the thousands of dollars that I’ve spent have

displaying an offense, she waved it off. “Money means nothing to me, so that’s hardly anything to be concerned about. I won’t harass you

1/4

Chapter 223

either.”

Oddly, her demure appearance and manner of speaking were causing me more unrest. Seeing her so calm and mature about the whole thing was more

hands into her coat pocket and looking around. “I… I wanted to apologize

my lip, taking in her earnest expression. “O–Oh. Well, apology accepted,” I murmured, glancing back. The office building was just a couple of feet

know things have

away: “I promise you it’s fine, Stella. Trust me when I say you weren’t the most

By then, I’d already decided that it was time to take my leave. As I turned away, however, I felt her hand grip

hurry?” she asked suddenly, coming up beside me. “I have a

beat at the thought of him. Stella and Timothy had a history, a complicated one. How could I explain his involvement

choosing my words carefully, “I’m just getting picked up soon and don’t want to. keep

brows furrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing her features. “It’s dangerous out there alone, especially while you’re waiting. Why don’t

ruthless power, was now extending an

replied, my voice faltering slightly. “I’ll be

narrowed, a glint of determination sparking within them. “Evie, please. You don’t have to

2/4

Emergency calls only

Chapter 223

trust me on this. It’s not safe.”

+5

apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle with her felt

the limo pulling up to the curb. The windows were too tinted

and right then I knew she’d figured out who I was waiting for. There wasn’t any

he door open

followed her towards the sleek, black limousine parked nearby. Stella held the gesturing for

seats offering a strange comfort. The door clicked shut behind me,

me, her posture rigid yet poised. “I must say, Evie, you look

voice smooth and composed.