Villainess on Ice

Chapter 8

“Coach, why weren’t they wearing the new jerseys?” I turned to the coach, questioning him instead. This was somebody’s idea. Either Damon convinced them all to wear the old ones, or they just did it because of their undisguised hatred for me.

I still remembered in my vision they were all still the same people who stood behind Damon and Rozetta and laughed at me.

“Miss, I don’t know what you are talking about,” he answered with a smirk. Just as I thought — he was in on it too. Probably gave them the go-ahead to do as they saw fit.

I took out my phone, scrolled until I found what I was looking for, and pointed the screen toward them. “This is the jersey that you were supposed to wear during today’s match,” I raised my voice loud enough for everyone in the entire room to hear. “Why didn’t you wear it?” I asked again.

“Maybe there was a delivery issue,” Rozetta answered instead. I was irritated already, and hearing her speak made it even worse.

“Shut up,” I hissed at her. “I wasn’t speaking to you.” And as always, she took on that pitiful expression, flinching like I was about to tear her apart. I just rolled my eyes at her theatrics.

I was considering it, but I had bigger fish to fry, and I didn’t want to be charged for assault.

Damon stood in front of her, shielding her from me. “Don’t you dare speak to Rozett—” I felt a pang of hurt, but swallowed it down, cutting him off.

“Save it, Prince Charming,” I waved my hand at him, dismissing his nonsense. “We still have important issues on the ground. You can act all lovey-dovey later.”

“Miss Voss, I assure you the hockey team never received any new gear. If we did, they would have worn it instead of the old one,” he replied with a mocking smile. Just like the players, he never liked me.

I am never liked, just feared. And that’s why this moron thinks he can treat me like that. I just clenched my phone tighter. I will deal with this.

“Why is it so important to you anyway if we get the new gear or not?” Zane asked, arms crossed.

“If you must know, it’s important to me because this jersey is tied to my family business, Voss Enterprise.” I faced him and answered. Their faces lost all colour.

“As a collaboration with Northridge University, it was used as a brand sponsorship deal with Voss Enterprise along with the school’s new hockey rink.” They grew paler by my words. “And as part of that deal, the team was to wear the new jersey during today’s game,” I clarified.

“It’s a deal worth millions, money meant to fund the hockey team,” I explained.

I turned to the coach. “But since you said they were not delivered, I will personally make sure this matter is thoroughly investigated. And if Northridge is at fault, they would have to pay the fees for breaking the contract.” Seeing the shock and disbelief on their faces felt satisfying. It simmered my rage just a bit.

With that, I turned and walked out of the locker room. I knew Damon was at fault, and so was Rozetta. They were the masterminds. I could smell it. The others were just useless lackeys who would now have to pay the price.

I walked into the hallway where the players’ locker rooms were and texted Paisley to meet up.

“You say you don’t like me, but I can’t help but think you do,” I heard a deep voice from behind me, with a hint of a flirtatious tone.

I turned around and was met with Kai Draven. I wasn’t in the mood to be flirting with anyone.

“It’s a hallway, Mr Draven. Anybody can be here,” I rolled my eyes at him.

“You are right. Anybody can be here, but you being here isn’t a coincidence.”

“And then what if it is?” I challenged him.

“I doubt it,” was his only response.

I sighed. “For the last time, Mr Draven—”

“That’s not why I wanted to see you,” he intercepted, cutting me off. I just raised my eyebrow at him, signalling for him to continue. “There is a betting ring going on,” he continued.

“It’s just betting. It’s a normal thing,” I shrugged at him.

“No, this one is an illegal betting,” he shook his head before adding, “I suspect the hockey committee has a hand in it and as well as higher ups.” How did he know? Wait, did he suspect something related to Voss? That’s why he came to me?

I regained my composure before pressing him. “Why would you come to me? I am not a hockey player.”

“But you are a wealthy heiress,” he added.

“Huh?” I was puzzled.

“You are associated with those people, so you know how they operate. You are part of the elites. Aren’t you, Elara Voss?” he asked.

“How did you know my name?” I pressed again.

“It’s hard not to when I am being partnered with you,” he chuckled. He actually chuckled.

I was seriously aware of the close proximity between the two of us and also that he was shirtless too.

I couldn’t help the blush that spread across my cheeks. I tried so hard to resist looking down.

“You can also be my partner if you agree for us to work together,” he whispered, his lips so close to mine.

I felt lightheaded from the lack of blood flowing to my brain.

“Elara!” The sound of Paisley’s voice snapped me out of it. I stepped away from him. I was practically running at this point.

“What was that about? What happened?” Paisley asked as soon as I was close to her.

“What was what about?” I inquired.

“You stormed off seething and now you are all red in the face,” she eyed me suspiciously, before a saccharine smile replaced her previous expression. “Don’t tell me you went to go see your man?”

I felt my face grow hotter again, which only made her burst into a fit of laughter.

I promised myself to stay away from him, but that man is dangerous.