Chapter 204
When I finally got back home, after what felt like a never–ending day, I was more than ready to kick off my heels and relax.
But as soon as I walked through the front door, I was met with an unexpected sight. Aria and Lucas were sprawled out on the couch, engrossed in some cheesy rom–com on the television. Their laughter filled the room, and the warm scent of freshly popped popcorn wafted in the air.
Lucas looked up from the screen, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. “Hey, Eviel You’re just in time. We’re about to start a movie. Want to join us?”
I hesitated for a moment, torn between the longing for a peaceful evening and the relentless business that seemed to follow me like a shadow. “I appreciate the offer, Lucas, but I have a ton of work to catch
up
on.”
Aria chimed in, her voice sweet and inviting. “Come on, Evie. You’ve been working yourself into the ground lately. Just one movie won’t hurt, and then you can get back to your stuff.”
The tempting idea of just sinking into the couch and losing myself in a movie for a few hours was almost irresistible, but the voice of responsibility was louder. “I wish I could, but I’ve got deadlines to meet, and I can’t afford any delays.”
Lucas sighed, and I could see a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “Alright, but you know where to find us if you change your mind.”
I gave them both a small smile and headed toward my home office, leaving them to their entertainment. As I walked into the dimly lit room, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of isolation that had become all too familiar lately.
Sitting down at my desk, I powered up my computer, silently praying that Bruce hadn’t compromised it any further. I had locked down my digital security as much as possible, but with him being one step ahead of me all the time, I couldn’t be too careful.
The desktop loaded, and I nervously clicked through my files, hoping to find no traces of unauthorized access. To my relief, everything seemed intact. Perhaps Bruce had grown bored for the time being, or maybe he was just watching from the shadows, biding his time.
My fingers danced over the keyboard, and I opened my email client, curious about any messages that had come in while I was away. What I found left me stunned.
1/4
LAST CALL
SEMANA
TUE SEU DURO USAED FOR MOVES
15 – 31/03/2014
VIVARA
Emergency calls only
Chapter 204
#076%
My inbox was flooded with emails from anonymous senders. The subjects varied from expressions of congratulations to sneering remarks about my competence and reputation. Stella’s case had certainly made headlines, but the reactions ranged from supportive to judgmental. I couldn’t help but be drawn to the most contentious messages.
One email caught my attention, and I opened it with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. The words that met my eyes were venomous, and the anonymous sender clearly had an axe to grind.
11:13
“Evie, you may have won that battle against Stella, but don’t think for a second that anyone respects you in this town. You’re just as corrupt as the rest of them.Erickson will eat you alive, and we’ll be here to watch.”
The message sent a shiver down my spine, but it was also oddly invigorating. These faceless detractors fueled at fire within me, a stubborn determination to prove them wrong. I couldn’t let their disdain or threats deter me from the path I’d chosen.
Another email contained a more encouraging tone, albeit from a sender who didn’t want to be identified either.
“Evie, we’ve been following your journey, and we’re thrilled to see someone challenging the corrupt system. Stay strong, and keep fighting for justice. The world needs more people like you.”
I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a swell of gratitude for the silent supporters who had my back. It was a reminder that not everyone was against me, even if they couldn’t express it publicly.
As I read through more emails, the pattern became evident. My case against Erickson had already leaked, and the anticipation was growing. It seemed that the battle lines were being drawn, with supporters and opponents aligning behind their chosen champions.
I couldn’t deny that the pressure was mounting, but at the same time, it was exhilarating to know that so many people believed in me, even if they couldn’t say it in public. It was the kind of encouragement that fueled my determination and steeled my resolve.
While I had initially thought I would face this battle alone, I now understood that I had a silent. army of supporters who believed in the fight for justice.
I couldn’t let them down.
The clock on my computer screen ticked away, and the outside world had long since plunged into darkness. The office lights cast eerie shadows on the walls as I continued to sift through emails. Time seemed to blur as I got lost in the tumult of emotions swirling within me.
2/4
SEMANA
VIVARA
X076% 11:13
O
+5
Chapter 204
When I finally got back home, after what felt like a never–ending day, I was more than ready to kick off my heels and relax.
But as soon as I walked through the front door, I was met with an unexpected sight. Aria and Lucas were sprawled out on the couch, engrossed in some cheesy rom–com on the television. Their laughter filled the room, and the warm scent of freshly popped popcorn wafted in the air.
Lucas looked up from the screen, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. “Hey, Evie! You’re just in time. We’re about to start a movie. Want to join us?”
I hesitated for a moment, torn between the longing for a peaceful evening and the relentless business that seemed to follow me like a shadow. “I appreciate the offer, Lucas, but I have a ton of work to catch up on.”
Aria chimed in, her voice sweet and inviting. “Come on, Evie. You’ve been working yourself into the ground lately. Just one movie won’t hurt, and then you can get back to your stuff.”
The tempting idea of just sinking into the couch and losing myself in a movie for a few hours was almost irresistible, but the voice of responsibility was louder. “I wish I could, but I’ve got deadlines to meet, and I can’t afford any delays.
Lucas sighed, and I could see a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “Alright, but you know where to find us if you change your mind.”
I gave them both a small smile and headed toward my home office, leaving them to their entertainment. As I walked into the dimly lit room, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of isolation that had become all too familiar lately.
Sitting down at my desk, I powered up my computer, silently praying that Bruce hadn’t compromised it any further. I had locked down my digital security as much as possible, but with him being one step ahead of me all the time, I couldn’t be too careful.
The desktop loaded, and I nervously clicked through my files, hoping to find no traces of unauthorized access. To my relief, everything seemed intact. Perhaps Bruce had grown bored for the time being, or maybe he was just watching from the shadows, biding his time.
My fingers danced over the keyboard, and I opened my email client, curious about any messages that had come in while I was away. What I found left me stunned.
1/4
LAST CALL
SEMANA
OX
VIVARA
$2076% 11:13
Chapter 204
My inbox was flooded with emails from anonymous senders. The subjects varied from expressions of congratulations to sneering remarks about my competence and reputation. Stella’s case had certainly made headlines, but the reactions ranged from supportive to judgmental. I couldn’t help but be drawn to the most contentious messages.
One email caught my attention, and I opened it with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. The words that met my eyes were venomous, and the anonymous sender clearly had an axe to grind.
“Evie, you may have won that battle against Stella, but don’t think for a second that anyone respects you in this town. You’re just as corrupt as the rest of them.Erickson will eat you alive, and we’ll be here to watch.”
The message sent a shiver down my spine, but it was also oddly invigorating. These faceless detractors fueled a fire within me, a stubborn determination to prove them wrong. I couldn’t let their disdain or threats deter me from the path I’d chosen.
Another email contained a more encouraging tone, albeit from a sender who didn’t want to be identified either.
“Evie, we’ve been following your journey, and we’re thrilled to see someone challenging the corrupt system. Stay strong, and keep fighting for justice. The world needs more people like you.”
I couldn’t help but smile, feeling a swell of gratitude for the silent supporters who had my back. It was a reminder that not everyone was against me, even if they couldn’t express it publicly.
As I read through more emails, the pattern became evident. My case against Erickson had already leaked, and the anticipation was growing. It seemed that the battle lines were being drawn, with supporters and opponents aligning behind their chosen champions.
I couldn’t deny that the pressure was mounting, but at the same time, it was exhilarating to know that so many people believed in me, even if they couldn’t say it in public. It was the kind of encouragement that fueled my determination and steeled my resolve.
While I had initially thought I would face this battle alone, I now understood that I had a silent army of supporters who believed in the fight for justice.
I couldn’t let them down.
The clock on my computer screen ticked away, and the outside world had long since plunged into darkness. The office lights cast eerie shadows on the walls as I continued to sift through emails. Time seemed to blur as I got lost in the tumult of emotions swirling within me.
2/4
LAST CALL
SEMANA
VIVARA
Emergency calls only
Chapter 204
今日76% 11.13
As my inbox finally started to dwindle, I closed my laptop screen and leaned back in my chair. The darkness outside had deepened, and the silence of the room was almost oppressive. The faint hum of the computer was the only company I had.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Hockey Star’s Remorse by Riley Above Story