The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 143

Chapter 143 76% [e)

My laptop came to life with a soft hum, and | typed Andy Hayes’s name into the search bar. The search results flooded the screen, countless sits on the success of Kamran Hayes’ prodigal son.

Andy ran a chain of technology businesses that spanned the country, a fact that seemed incongruous with the man | had known years ago. The more | delved into his businesses, the more it became clear that there was more to Andy Hayes than met the eye.

Asurge of determination coursed through me. | couldn’t let this opportunity slip away, especially if Andy had a hand in this property dispute, | picked up my phone and dialed the number | had found on his company’s website.

The phone rang, each tone echoing in the quiet of my apartment. My heart raced as | waited for a response. Finally, a voice on the other end said, “Nextech, how may | assist you?”

| took a deep breath, summoning all the courage | had. “Hello, this is Evie Sinclair. | was hoping | would be able to meet with Mr. Hayes this afternoon?”

There was a brief pause, and then the receptionist replied, “Of course, Ms. Sinclair. Mr. Hayes is available this afternoon. Can you come in at two?”

| agreed to the appointment and hung up the phone, my pulse quickening with anticipation. This was a reckless move, but | needed as much leverage in this ast possible.

When the time arrived, | stood outside Nextech, a modern and imposing building that exuded wealth and power. | took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach, and then entered the building.

The receptionist directed me to Andy's office, and | couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as | approached the imposing door. | knocked gently, and a voice. from inside called, “Come in.”

As | stepped into the office, | was met with the sight of Andy Hayes, who looked just as smug as the last time I’d seen him. He looked completely relaxed, as if he’d expected my call all along.

“Evie,” he said smoothly. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, and so soon.”

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| mustered a friendly smile. doing my best to mask my disgust. “Andy. | hope you're doing well.”

He settled into his chair, still wearing a look of bemusement. “Il am, thank you. What can | do for you on this fine day?” 76% #

| decided to play along with my ruse, feigning interest. “I’m here because your mentioned that your company was considering a new project, and | wanted to get a better idea of your company’s capabilities.”

Andy leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. “For...legal reasons?” “No.” | said swiftly. “You may have peaked my curiosity back at the mansion, is all.”

Andy chuckled. “I see. Well, Nextech has an excellent reputation, so I’m sure you've heard quite a few things in terms of what we do.”

“Perhaps,” | said carefully. “I don’t pay too much attention to technology in that way. I’m more of a pencil and paper type of gal.” No worries,” he said, then pointed at my pants pocket. “Here. let me see your phone.

| did as he requested, pulling out my phone and setting it on the table. It had seen. better days, now adorned with several cracks and scuffs, but he seemed impressed with it nonetheless.

“That right there, he began proudly, “Is one of the earlier models of our smartphones. You'd say that it runs pretty well, despite all the damage, yes?”

| nodded and tucked the phone back in my pocket. “I would say so.”

We delved into the details of the supposed project, evidently a revolutionary ordeal that started to lose me as he got more technical in language. Andy grew more comfortable with my presence, sharing insights about his business and its accomplishments

Curiosity gnawed at me as | probed further. “What you’ve done with your business is truly remarkable. Did you receive any help with all of this?”

“My father and | actually inherited our businesses.” he said matter—of-factly. “Mr. Fitzgerald runs a bit of a monopoly, but he isn’t a superhero. He offered to drop some of the responsibility on us to run these businesses, and they’ve been

JUL 2J IRIDI Chapter 143 booming since.” 76%

The mention of Stella’s father sent a shiver down my spine. | had suspected that her family’s influence had played a role in Andy's success, though it had almost ruined Timothy's. Hearing it confirmed was a revelation that both shocked and infuriated me.

“And how did Mr. Fitzgerald amass such wealth and influence?” | probed further.

Andy sighed, as if the memories weighed heavily on him. “He was a shrewd businessman, Evie, and he had connections in high places. He was able to secure government contracts and partnerships that propelled his companies forward.”

The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fall into place. Stella’s family had indeed played a significant role in Andy's success, leveraging their connections and influence to build an empire. It was a truth that had been hidden in plain sight all along.

“This whole business thing can get a little repetitive at times though,” he added. suddenly. His eyes drifted over to the acrylic fountain on the near wall, its thick. streams of water curving and leaping off of the rocks. “I'd like to settle down at some point once | feel complete.”

My eyebrows furrowed. “As in starting a family?”

Andy's gaze turned introspective, as though he were contemplating a future that had always been just out of reach. “I’ve achieved a level of success that allows me to consider other priorities in life. I've spent so much time building my businesses, and perhaps it’s time to explore what else life has to offer.”

His words left me with a lingering sense of unease. The idea of Andy wanting to start a family seemed incongruous with the man | had known in a short span of time. It hinted at a vulnerability and desire for something more than power and wealth.

Before | could press further, the door to Andy’s office swung open, and Stella walked in. Her entrance was like a sudden storm, filling the room with tension and uncertainty. | couldn’t help but notice the animosity that flared between Andy and Stella, an undercurrent of unresolved conflict.

“Andy, we need to talk,” Stella said, her voice icy and authoritative. 3/5

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Andy’s expression hardened, his patience clearly wearing thin. “Stella, can’t this wait? I’m in the middle of something.” Stella’s eyes flicked to me, and she gave me a disdainful look that made me feel hollow. “No, it can’t wait,” she retorted, her voice unwavering. “This concerns both of us.”

| stood up, my stomach already twisting under the tension in the room. Andy barely took his eyes away from Stella, as though she'd disappear if he broke eye-

contact.

“| should be going anyway,” | said aloud, already creeping toward the door. Neither of them answered as | let myself out and shut the door behind me. That seemed to break the seal on their silence as sharp filled the room.

| felt like an intruder in their private world, but my curiosity got the better of me as | found myself pressing my ear against the door. What did Stella have that was so urgent, and with Andy specifically?

“I've been talking to my dad, and he’s not pleased with the way things are going. He believes that we need to take more drastic measures,” said Stella.

Andy's voice was low and grim. “Stella, we’ve been over this. My dad and | have a plan, and it doesn’t involve rushing into anything.”

“And am | part of that plan, or are you guys planning on leaving me out once. again?”

Andy sighed, his voice becoming gentler as he spoke. “It’s not like that. You were always in my plan, at least, but you know what my dad wants.”

Along silence followed, and | leaned in further, straining to hear. | probably looked really odd in the position | was in, but they'd grown eerily quiet.

Always in ‘his‘ plan? What did Andy mean by that? And he’s sounded so sentimental about it, making me wonder about what Scarlett had suggested previously about them having a peculiar relationship.

The vague response only fueled my curiosity further. What secrets were they hiding, and how did their history tie into the inheritance dispute? It was clear that there was more to their relationship than met the eye.

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