The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 207

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As | entered the courthouse, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Reporters jostled for positions, their cameras capturing every nuance, every expression on my face as | marched up the steps. The gravity of the situation sank in, and | steeled myself for what lay ahead.

Jane awaitedinside with a look of resolve. | handed her Linda’s victim statement, which she had faxed over tothat morning. Just from reading over it, | could tell it would be a powerful testimony of the horrors she had endured. “We're ready for this, Evie,” Jane said, her voice steady. “And if all else fails, at least we got people to think.”

| nodded, gripping the statement tightly. Linda’s courage gavestrength. | certainly did feel like a lawyer then, representing the voiceless.

The courtroom doors swung open, and we stepped inside. The sight that greetedwas overwhelming. The space was not just occupied by the usual legal personnel but also by the prying eyes of the public.

Cameras were mounted strategically, capturing every angle, every reaction. It was a spectacle that | hadn’t signed up for.

As | took my seat, | glanced at the witness stand. A few familiar faces stared back at me, adding a layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation. Timothy was sitting with Aria and Lucas, and they all glanced over atwith excitement. Excusing myself from Jane’s side, | approached them wearily.

“Evie!” Aria jumped out of her seat to pullinto a tight hug. “We’re here for you, every step of the way.” Lucas nodded in agreement. “We'll be watching the whole thing, supporting you.”

Timothy, his eyes revealing a complexity of emotions, met my gaze. “You're going to do great. Don’t pay attention to anyone else,” he said, his voice sincere.

| nodded, a mixture of gratitude and apprehension in my heart. “Thank you, Timothy. Also, for what you said on

1. TV. That was nice of you...

“Just show the world the Evie | know,” he said with a grin. “The strong, resilient woman who doesn’t back down.” | began to blush, and | could already see the headlines: Have Timothy Hayes and Evie Sinclair rekindled their 1/15

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“Thank you,” | repeated, then glanced back at Jane. “I should get going. | still need to discuss sthings with Jane.”

Lucas waved at me. “Don’t let us stop you. Do your thing.”

As | made my way back to my seat, the reality of the courtroom drama sunk in. The eyes of the world were upon me, awaiting the unraveling of a story that had been thrust into the spotlight. It was a narrative | had never chosen, but one | was determined to shape.

Jane sat beside me, her gaze scanning the cameras around room. “We'll have to move a bit more tactfully, Evie. We need to stay focused on the case, despite the distractions.”

| nodded, my eyes—meeting Timothy’s for a brief moment. Once this was all over, he was yet another thing that | needed to figure out:

The proceedings began, the formalities folding like a choreographed dance. The judge’s voice echoed through the room, his gavel’s authoritative thud signaling the beginning of the trial.

Jasper stood before the judge, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the jury. His voice rang out with an air of confidence as he began his opening statement. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today you will witness a tale spun by a skilled opportunist. Ms. Evie Sinclair claims to be a victim, but in reality, she is nothing more than someone seeking to capitalize on the fand success she gained under Mr. Erickson’s mentorship.”

His words echoed through the courtroom, and | felt the weight of every accusatory syllable. Murmurs erupted among the spectators. | could sense the collective judgment in the eyes that bore into me.

As the murmurs intensified, my gaze swept over the faces in the crowd, and | noticed a few familiar figures from my former firm. Colleagues who seemed more entertained by this serious matter were watching with keen

interest.

Jasper continued his statement, weaving a narrative that castas a cunning opportunist. | clenched my fists beneath the table, fighting the urge to speak over him.

“Mr. Erickson is a man who truly defines what it means to be honorable,” he went on. “After thirty years in his field, are we really going to let that all go down the drain over swoman's petty insecurities? That, to me, is

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As Jasper concluded his opening statement, the judge called forto take the stand. | sat with my back straight and my eyes focused solely on Jane as she began her line of questioning, aiming to counter Jasper’s narrative.

When it was my turn to speak, | faced the jury, my voice steady. “I stand before you not as an opportunist, but as a survivor. The truth may be uncomfortable, but it needs to be heard.”

| began recounting the events, the moments of betrayal and violation that had ledto this courtroom. | could feel the jury’s skepticism, their doubts lingering in the air. It was as if | were swimming against a relentless current, struggling to make my voice heard.

However, Jasper was quick to counter. “Your Honor, while Ms. Sinclair’s narrative is compelling, we cannot ignore the lack of real, concrete evidence. Where are the witnesses? Where is the proof?”

His words echoed in the courtroom, and | felt the weight of his challenge. The judge’s gaze turned to me, an unspoken demand for the evidence that would substantiate my claims.

“Ms. Sinclair.” Jasper turned towith a vicious glare. “You claim to be a victim, but where is the real evidence? Words can be manipulated and emotions can be feigned.”

“| understand your skepticism, Mr. Morgan,” | replied, my voice steady. “But the truth doesn’t always cneatly packaged with concrete evidence. | have a statement here-

Jasper interrupted with a scoff, “A subjective account, Ms. Sinclair. We need more than emotional narratives. We need real, concrete evidence to support your claims.”

The judge observed the courtroom with a stern gaze, weighing the exchange. | dropped my gaze to the envelope in my hands, then pulled out the statement. “If | may, Your Honor?”

Judge Gregory nodded. “I'll allow it. Proceed, Ms. Sinclair.”

This was my trump card. | held up Linda’s victim statement and began to read.

“It reads, “I had endured a hostile work environment where

My professional success was contingent upon my submission to Mr. Erickson’s desires. This wasn’t just an isolated incident; it was a sustained campaign of abuse that leftfeeling trapped and powerless.”

Jasper rolled his eyes. “Your Honor, she’s using emotions as evidence. How are we to know that this Linda was simply imagining things, or that she isn’t in on this whole scheme?”

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The anger withinflared, a fire ignited by the dismissive tone in his words. “Concrete evidence, Mr. Morgan?” | retorted. “This statement itself is concrete, and | have many others to back it up.”

The judge, sensing the tension, intervened with a stern gaze. “Mr. Morgan, allow Ms. Sinclair to present her case without interruptions. We will consider the evidence in due time.”

| returned my focus to Linda’s statement.

“As Linda details the explicit threats and the constant fear of losing her livelihood, it becomes clear that Mr. Erickson’s actions were not just inappropriate they were criminal,” | declared, my words resonating through the courtroom. “This victim statement is not just an emotional account; it is a testament to the systemic abuse of power that has festered unchecked for far too long.”

The judge nodded in acknowledgment, and | could sense a shift in the atmosphere. The weight of Linda’s words had permeated the room, challenging the skepticism that had lingered in the eyes of the jury.

Jasper, undeterred, seized the opportunity to redirect the narrative. “Are there other documents that can. corroborate these claims?”

“Your Honor,” | asserted, my voice steady, “I understand the need for evidence, and | am committed to providing whatever is necessary to substantiate these claims. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges victims face in documenting these incidents. The nature of harassment often leaves victims without tangible proof.”

Jasper scoffed dismissively, his tone laced with condescension. “Ms. Stanton, the court demands more than understanding. It demands evidence. Without it, these claims remain nothing more than emotional narratives.”

Right then, my composure almost slipped, and | had to reel my emotions back in. “Mr. Morgan,” | countered, my voice resolute, “you can’t reduce the trauma endured by victims to a demand for evidence. The very nature of harassment often leaves scars that are not easily quantifiable. We cannot dismiss Linda’s pain because it doesn’t fit within your narrow definition of evidence.”

“Are we making personal attacks now?” Jasper bellowed, pointing a finger in my direction. “Because this sounds very personal, Ms. Sinclair.”

“It is personal!” | growled back. “It was both of you that ruined my livelihood over rumors that you decided to spread!”

The judge intervened, a stern gaze directed at both of us as he banged his gavel on the stand. “Order in the court! Ms. Sinclair, continue with your testimony, and Mr. Jasper, refrain from dismissive comments.”

Just as | prepare to take my seat, the courtroom doors swung open with a force that startled everyone. A group of women entered, their faces a mix of determination and solidarity. As they stepped forward, | recognized them -my old colleagues.

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