Chapter 120
The Hockey Star’s Remorse by Riley Above Story
Walking into the law firm felt like stepping into a lionâs den. The scandal that had engulfed my life had found its way into the workplace, and my coâworkers seemed all too eager to taunt me. They huddled in small groups, whispering and casting judgmental glances in my direction. I could hear their hushed voices, their words dripping with malice, as they listened to Jasperâs slanderous tales.
had expected some level of hostility, but the reality of their taunts and sneers cut deeper than I could have imagined. I had become a pariah in my own workplace, a target of ridicule and gossip.
As I made my way to my desk, I couldnât escape the feeling of being watched. Their gazes bore into me, their smirks and knowing looks far from hidden.
âI donât know how we didnât see it,â one coworker, Talia, muttered. âShe was always so bold with him. Jasper was right.â
Another one chimed in, âNo wonder I havenât been moving up. Clearly, some people donât have to work as hardâ¦â
Jasper, emboldened by the attention he was receiving, had taken to openly fueling the gossip. He didnât even attempt to hide his satisfaction as he regaled my co- workers with his version of the story. His accusations were as cruel as they were baseless, and I could feel the walls closing in on me.
âI thought he was taking advantage at first,â he said, standing in the middle of the room where others have gathered. âBut after hearing that one conversation, I realized who she really was.â
âReally!â Talia exclaimed, casting a glare in my direction. âAnd she always looked so innocent before, walking around in oversized sweaters and long sweaters. A guess she figured the librarian look wouldnât give her the opportunities she needed.â
Lori guffawed. âOh! No wonder sheâs been looking like a skank recently!â
At that, the group erupted with laughter, barely acknowledging the need for curtesy at that point.
I knew I couldnât let this continue. I needed to confront Erickson, to demand that he dismiss Jasperâs claims and put an end to this madness. With a determined Need Top Metal Stamping? Get a 10% Discount (Start Now)
D stride. I made my way to Ericksonâs office and threw open his door.
Erickson was behind his desk, engrossed in paperwork, when I entered. He looked up, his expression unreadable, as I approached.
âErickson.â I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil raging within me. âYou need to do something about Jasper. His lies are ruining my career!
Erickson regarded me with a detached air, his eyes flicking over me as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience. âEvie, Iâve already spoken to Jasper. He assured me that heâs merely stating the truth.â
I felt a surge of anger and frustration. âHow? You were there, and you known dam well that I wouldnât even lay a finger on you, let alone kiss you!â
He grunted and turned back to his computer, as if my insult hardly grazed him. I suppose it wouldnât. He wasnât exactly considered the victim in the eyes of the public, but they had reduced his influence to that of a bystander rather than my actual controlling boss.
This scandal would hardly touch him, and he knew it.
âThose accusations against me are false, and you know it. Jasper is using this situation to boost his own ego and credibility. You need to put a stop to it!â
Erickson leaned back in his chair, a mocking smile playing on his lips. âEvie, you and I both know that youâve benefited from our relationship. Remember, youâve been using me to lift your own status within the firm.â
I couldnât believe what I was hearing. The man I had once respected and trusted was now twisting the truth to fit his own narrative. The sense of betrayal cut deep. and I couldnât contain my anger any longer.
âYouâre just as complicit in this scandal as Jasper is,â I accused, my voice trembling with emotion.
âYou canât even admit that youâre using me as a shield to protect your own reputation.â
With that, I turned and stormed out of Ericksonâs office, leaving him behind with his smug expression. The weight of the situation, the relentless gossip and slander, had become too much to bear, and I needed to escape the toxicity of it all.
As I left the office building, my emotions were in turmoil. The sense of isolation and despair weighed heavily on me, and I wondered if there was any way to escape Need Top Metal Stamping? Get a 10% Discount (Start Now)
Chapore 120 this nightmare. My status as a competent and hardworking Lawyer had become a myth to the public.
As I arrived back at my apartment, I could barely carry myself inside before falling to my knees by the door. The scandal that had tainted my life was now seeping into every corner, and all I had were my friends to back me up. Unfortunately for them, it was only us against the public.
When I looked up, eyes burning with fresh tears. I was met with the sight of Penny sitting on the couch. She was watching me; her look full of pity as she stood up and rushed over.
âAria let me in. I heard everything,â Penny stated gently, taking my hand. I let her haul me up and guide me to the couch.
As we sat down. I sank into the cushion beside her, the exhaustion weighing me down.
âItâs terrible, Penny,â I began. âThe hate just wonât stop. Everywhere I go, people want to know who I am. what Iâm doingâ¦â
Pennyâs brow furrowed as she listened, her concern deepening. âBut surely you c do something about it, right? Can you confront them both, Jasper and Erickson?â
I sighed, rapidlyâshaking my head. Iâve tried. Penny. I confronted Erickson, told him to dismiss Jasperâs claims, but heâs just as complicit in this mess. He wonât lift a finger to help me.â
Penny hummed thoughtfully and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. âIâm so sorry youâre going through this, Evie. This is a huge mess, even for me.â
I looked at her, blinking through the tears. âI know you can only do so much, but would you be able to do something to stop this?â
Penny nodded, her expression determined. âIâll see what I can do, Evie. But I have to be honest with youâit wonât be easy. A lot of damage has already been done, and the scandal has spread far and wide. Weâll need a solid strategy to counteract the negative publicity.â
I appreciated Pennyâs honesty, even if it meant facing the harsh reality of my situation. âI trust your judgment, Penny. If anyone can help me navigate this mess, Need Top Metal Stamping? Get a 10% Discount (Start Now)
itâs you.â
Unlike before, I didnât feel as hopeful by Pennyâs promises. Sheâd proven her worth more times than not, but this case was different. Iâd always suspected that any fans I had were merely there by the circumstances of me being attached to Timothy.
If Timothy no longer seemed to favor me in the public eye, it was only a matter of time before they lost interest. That didnât mean they would allow me to fade into obscurity. They were more content with making me suffer first..
And the suffering had only just begun.
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