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.”

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 gone down

caught my reaction before 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.”

was a surprise. Oddly, her demure appearance and manner of speaking were causing me more unrest. Seeing her so calm and

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

my lip, taking in her earnest expression. “O–Oh. Well, 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

gaze was intense as she moved closer. “Wait, Evie. Please. I know things have been

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

then, I’d already decided that it was time

hurry?” she asked suddenly, coming up

me. Timothy–my heart skipped a beat at the thought of him. Stella and Timothy had a history, a complicated one. How could I explain his involvement

carefully, “I’m just getting picked

features. “It’s dangerous out there alone,

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

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

them. “Evie, please.

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Emergency calls only

Chapter 223

trust me on this. It’s

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hard, my mind racing. Stella’s concern felt genuine, yet I couldn’t shake off the apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle with her felt too personal. “I appreciate your concern, but

noticed my unease, her eyes scanning the street outside. She gestured to the limo pulling up to the curb. The windows were too tinted for me to see the

she’d figured out who I

he door open

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

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

across from me, her posture rigid yet poised. “I must say, Evie, you look like you

offered, her voice smooth and composed.