The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 223

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11:25

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“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.”

she looked away. “Well enough. Of course, there’s no wedding

waved it off. “Money means nothing to me, so that’s hardly

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Chapter 223

either.”

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

her coat pocket and looking around. “I… I wanted to apologize also. For everything I’ve

glancing back. The office building was just a couple of feet away. “Thank you for that,

Please. I know things have been awful between us, but I’d like to move past all

further away: “I promise you it’s fine, Stella. Trust me when

that it was time

she asked suddenly, coming up beside me. “I have

a history, a complicated one. How could I explain his involvement in my life without

getting picked up

crossing her features. “It’s dangerous out there alone, especially while you’re waiting. Why

power, was now extending an olive branch. I

I replied, my voice faltering

narrowed, a glint of determination sparking within them. “Evie, please.

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Emergency calls only

Chapter 223

me on this. It’s not

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I couldn’t shake off the apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle with her felt too personal. “I appreciate

windows were too tinted for me to see the driver. “At least until

I knew she’d figured out who I was waiting for. There wasn’t

he door open

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

a strange comfort. The

poised. “I must say, Evie, you look like you could use

her voice smooth