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.”

as she looked away. “Well enough. Of course, there’s no wedding to prepare for now, and

and she caught my reaction before I could shake it off. Instead of displaying an offense, she waved it off. “Money means nothing to me, so that’s hardly anything to be concerned about.

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Chapter 223

either.”

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

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

murmured, glancing back. The office building was just a couple of feet away. “Thank you for that, but I should really get going.”

know things have been awful between us, but I’d like to

edged further away: “I promise you it’s fine, Stella. Trust me when I say you weren’t the most difficult person in my

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

suddenly, coming up beside me.

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

carefully, “I’m just getting picked up soon and

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

ruthless power, was now extending an olive branch.

I replied, my voice faltering

them. “Evie, please. You don’t have to

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Emergency calls only

Chapter 223

trust me on this.

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racing. Stella’s concern felt genuine, yet I couldn’t shake off the apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle with

windows were too tinted for

she’d figured out who I was waiting

he door open

a sigh, I followed her towards the sleek, black limousine parked nearby. Stella held the gesturing for me to

leather seats offering a strange comfort. The door clicked shut behind me, enclosing us in

must say, Evie,

offered, her voice