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.”

Of course, there’s no wedding to prepare for now, and the thousands of dollars that I’ve spent have gone

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. I won’t harass

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Chapter 223

either.”

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

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

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

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

you it’s fine, Stella. Trust me when I say

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

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

and Timothy had a history, a complicated one. How could I explain his involvement in my life without

getting picked up soon

brows furrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing her features. “It’s dangerous out there alone, especially while you’re waiting. Why

offer took me by surprise. Stella Fitzgerald, once the epitome of ruthless power, was now extending an olive branch. I warred

don’t think that’s necessary,” I replied, my voice faltering slightly. “I’ll

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.”

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shake off the apprehension. Being trapped in a vehicle with her felt too

limo pulling up to the curb. The windows were too tinted for me to see the driver. “At least until he gets here. When he’s

in her eyes, and right then I knew she’d figured out who I was waiting for. There wasn’t any

he door open

black limousine parked nearby. Stella held the gesturing for me to

seats offering a strange comfort. The door clicked

poised. “I must say, Evie, you look

her voice