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.”

the twitch in her eyebrow as she looked away. “Well enough. Of course,

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

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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 than satisfying, as if I’d missed a

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

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

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

you it’s fine, Stella. Trust me when

darkened in her 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

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

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

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

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 limo until

was now extending an olive branch. I warred

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

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

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Emergency calls only

Chapter 223

this. It’s

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shake off the apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle with her felt too personal. “I appreciate your concern, but I

pulling up to the curb. The windows were too tinted for me to see the driver. “At least until

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

he door open

black limousine parked

The door

posture rigid yet poised. “I must say, Evie, you look like you could

voice smooth and composed.