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.”

pause, and I 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

reaction before I could shake it off. Instead of displaying an offense, she waved it off. “Money means nothing to me,

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Chapter 223

either.”

manner of speaking were causing me more unrest. Seeing her so calm and mature about

looking around. “I… I wanted to apologize also.

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

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

fine, Stella. Trust me when I say

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

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

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

choosing my words carefully, “I’m just getting picked

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 limo

the epitome of ruthless power, was now extending an olive branch. I warred with myself,

I don’t think that’s necessary,” I replied,

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

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Emergency calls only

Chapter 223

me on this. It’s not safe.”

+5

yet I couldn’t shake off the apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle

the curb. The windows were too tinted for me to see the driver. “At

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

he door open

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

slipped inside, the plush leather seats offering a strange comfort. The door clicked shut behind me, enclosing us in a cocoon

must say, Evie, you look like

offered, her voice smooth