Page 88 of Icy Pucking Play

"You remind me of someone," he says, swirling his scotch—something presumably expensive and aged. "Young, ambitious...not afraid to say what she thinks."

My heart stops. "Chelsea?"

The name slips out before I can stop it, hanging in the air between us.

His smile turns sharp, predatory. Like he's been waiting for this opening. "So, you know about her?"

"I know she was Evan's wife."

"Ex-wife." He takes another sip of scotch. "Though that's probably for the best. Evan never could handle strong women. Always trying to control everything, protect everyone..."

"He's protective of his family," I say carefully. "That's not a bad thing."

"Is that what he tells you? That he's protecting them?" Clark leans forward. "Did he tell you why his marriage really ended?"

Yes. No. Sort of.

I think about all the times Evan almost opened up. All the pain in his eyes whenever Chelsea was mentioned. All the walls he built to keep everyone out.

To keep me out.

"That's not why I'm here," I say instead of answering. "I want to talk about Ryland's prospects at camp."

"Of course you do." His smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Just like you want to talk about team dynamics and development strategies and all those other safe topics that won't upset Evan Daniels."

"This isn't about Evan."

"Isn't it?" He signals for another drink. "Tell me something, Sophie. How does it feel being his latest project? His newest person to protect?"

"I'm not his project."

"No? Then why are you really here?" He studies me over the rim of his glass. "Because we both know it's not about Ryland's hockey career."

I take a sip of wine to buy time, wishing I'd ordered something stronger.

"Ryland has real talent," I say finally. "He deserves good representation."

"And you think his uncle can provide that? A man so wrapped up in his own issues he can't see past them?"

"Evan's been nothing but supportive…"

"Supportive?" Clark barks out a laugh. "Is that what you call trying to control every aspect of the kid's career? Keeping him away from better opportunities because of his own paranoia?"

"Better opportunities like you?"

"I know how to build careers, Sophie. How to take raw talent and make it shine." His smile turns predatory. "Just ask Chelsea."

Something in his tone makes my stomach turn. "What does she have to do with this?"

"Everything. Nothing." He shrugs elegantly. "Let's just say I have experience helping people reach their full potential. Even if others try to hold them back."

"The way Evan held Chelsea back?"

"The way he's holding you back." Clark leans forward. "Come on, Sophie. We both know this feature could be bigger. Better. The kind of story that launches careers."

"That's not what I want."

"No? Then why are you here?" He gestures around the restaurant. "Why meet with me if not to get the real story? The one Evan won't tell you?"

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