Hands Off The Ice King novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Hope’s POV

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“You don’t have to go in with me inside, Hope,” Beth said. However, I didn’t miss how shaky her voice had gotten beneath the calmness she was trying to maintain.

We were currently standing at the top fluor of the adjacent building connected to the arena. It was my first time here, and the moment the elevator doors opened earlier, I already felt out of place.

Even the air felt different here.

The entire floor looked nothing like the rest of the building. And that was saying something because the lower floors were already luxurious enough.

The marble floors reflected our faces. The walls were lined with dark wood and gold accents, decorated with framed/ photographs of championships, sponsors, and famous athletes from different sports.

I swallowed quietly. Then, I shook my head and placed my hand over Beth’s shoulder.

“I’m already involved in this,” I said softly. “Besides, I want to hear what Mrs. Tundra has to say.”

Beth sighed through her nose before giving me a tired smile.

“Alright,” she answered. “Although, I should warn you…”

Her expression stiffened slightly.

“I’ve only been in this office three times in my entire career.” She paused before adding, “And every single time, it wasn’t for a good reason.”

Still, I pursed my lips and nodded, forcing myself to stay composed. I didn’t want to look intimidated. Even though I absolutely was.

With that, Beth walked forward and knocked on the massive black doors.

Not even a second later, they slid open automatically.

My eyes widened a little.

Even the door was automatic?

Beth stepped inside first, and I quickly followed behind her.

The office itself was enormous. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline. A chandelier hung above us, and seated behind the massive desk at the center of the room, was Mrs. Tundra.

The second her eyes landed on me, a shiver crawled down my spine.

Her gaze darkened instantly before she shook her head-disappointed already.

She didn’t even bother with greetings.

“So,” Mrs. Tundra began, folding her hands together atop the desk, “your idea of helping Levi recuperate is by not letting him play in the practice games?”

Beth pursed her lips.

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“It’s only for two weeks, ma’am.”

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“Two weeks filled with practice games,” Mrs. Tundra corrected immediately. “Do you know how much money we will lose if Levi doesn’t play?”

The room suddenly felt ten degrees colder. I inhaled deeply before speaking.

“Mrs. Tundra,” I said carefully, “you told me to get Levi in better shape before the season started. You never gave me limitations on how to do that.”

The look on her face told me that she hadn’t expected me to answer back. Judging by the narrowing of her eyes, she definitely didn’t like it either.

“I already knew your generation was brave,” she said slowly. “But it’s my first time seeing it in real time.”/

I stayed quiet.

“I have to say, Hope Henderson,” she continued, emphasizing my full name again like she enjoyed watching me squirm, “that’s one trait that would set you apart from everybody else.”

A pause.

“However, that’s not a compliment.”

Beside me, I heard Beth hold her breath.

Mrs. Tundra shifted her attention toward her again.

“Anyway, Apollo already called me too,” she said. “They told me they aren’t fools. With the talks surrounding Levi’s injury, they’re bound to pull away as our main sponsor.”

“That won’t happen,” I said immediately.

The words slipped out before I could stop myself.

Beth subtly turned toward me in alarm.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Tundra smiled.

“And why is that?” she asked.

I cleared my throat.

“The cover for the May issue-”

“Have you convinced Levi to do it?” she interrupted, raising a brow.

And just like that, my confidence crumbled again.

My silence answered for me.

Mrs. Tundra let out a soft hum before leaning back in her chair.

“That’s what I thought.”

“This,” she said, gesturing vaguely in the air, “is exactly why trusting people with important tasks is difficult. They don’t know how to handle pressure.”

“Beth,” she continued, now fully addressing her again, “you already know what’s at stake here, right?”

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Chapter 43

Beth immediately straightened.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. Tundra nodded once.

“Good.”

Then suddenly, she smiled. “Anyway, I asked you both to come here to tell you something.”

She folded her arms loosely.

“Good job.”

The sarcasm dripping from her voice was impossible to miss.

“The season hasn’t even officially started yet, and we’re already trending number one in the country.”

I felt my stomach sink.

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Mrs. Tundra smirked. “The New York Glaciers-four-time champions, completely destroyed by the Chicago Badgers.””

Beside me, Beth remained completely silent.

Honestly, what could we even say?

“But then again,” Mrs. Tundra continued, tilting her head slightly, “I’m not entirely heartless.”

“I enjoy a good story,” she added. “Publicity is still publicity at the end of the day.”

Her red-painted nails tapped lightly against the desk.

“But if this continues…”

Her smirk slowly widened.

“And if you cannot keep your end of the deal…”

“Someone will have to suffer,”

A chill ran down my spine again.

Then, as though she hadn’t just threatened us seconds ago, Mrs. Tundra casually added-

“Oh, and Beth.”

Beth immediately straightened again.

“Connor’s attending that rookie game the day after tomorrow. Prepare everything for that too.”

Beth nodded without hesitation.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. Tundra waved her hand dismissively afterward.

“Now go. My head is starting to hurt.”

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