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.”

“Well enough. Of course, there’s

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

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Chapter 223

either.”

were causing me more unrest. Seeing her so calm and mature about the whole thing was more terrifying than satisfying, as if I’d missed a

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

“O–Oh. Well, apology accepted,” I murmured, glancing back. The office building was just a couple of feet

Evie. Please. I know things have been

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

then, I’d already decided that it was time to take my leave. As I turned

such a hurry?” she asked suddenly, coming up beside me. “I have a lot more to say to you.”

Stella and Timothy had a history, a complicated one.

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

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

by surprise. Stella Fitzgerald, once the epitome of ruthless power, was now extending an olive branch. I warred with myself, torn

that’s necessary,” I replied, my voice faltering slightly. “I’ll

sparking within 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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Being trapped in a vehicle with her felt too personal. “I appreciate your concern, but I really must

to the curb. The windows were too tinted for me to see the driver. “At least until he gets here. When he’s here, you can just hop right out after.”

sincerity in her eyes, and right then I knew she’d figured out who I was

he door open

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

a strange comfort. The door clicked shut behind me, enclosing

across from me, her posture rigid yet poised. “I must

offered, her voice smooth