Page 102 of Captain's Claim

Before I know it, the whole room is thundering with applause and gaping at me like I've just invented the game.

Big Mike chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “Yes, yes… The Blake Maddox Effect is unstoppable.”

Greg beams. “We’re making history here. And now?”

He gestures toward the NHL execs who are all staring at me like I'm the last slice of pizza at a frat party, and I'm not entirely sure if I should curtsy or run for the hills..

“It’s time to level up.”

Oh God.

I don't like the sound of that. This isnotwhat I had planned when I stormed into the meeting you a few minutes ago, fired up after being pulled back into focus by mom.

Greg leans forward, hands splayed on the table. "Sophia, you’re no longer just a part of the Icehawks brand."

Big Mike nods, serious now. “The NHL has been watching everything that's been happening here at the Icehawks. And impressed as they are, they want to make you the official face of the league.”

My breath catches.

"Theywhat?"

The NHL execs exchange satisfied glances, the kind of look men give each other when a deal is already done. How much has Greg pocketed for this PR stunt I wonder?

Big Mike gestures around the room. “It’s never been done before. A woman as the face of the league. It’s groundbreaking.” He looks at me and smiles. "Your mother would be proud, Ms. Hart."

Greg misreads my shock. “Think about it, Sophia. Red carpets. National campaigns. Exclusive interviews. A brand deal withChanelis already in the works.”

My stomach knots.

“This is next-level,” Greg continues, practically vibrating with excitement. “Blake and Sophia—the NHL’s golden couple.”

I grip the edge of the table. The air in the room shifts.

They don’t care about my work. They don’t care about my marketing strategies. They don’t care about hockey.

They want the Maddox-Hart Show.

Respect only matters if it’s given for the right reasons. Otherwise, it’s just a leash.

And this? This isn’t respect.

It's a fuckingleash.

The scrape of my chair against the floor cuts through the boardroom like nails on a chalkboard.

Every head snaps toward me, but I barely notice. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins. My hands are trembling, but my voice is steady as ice.

"Let me get this straight." I plant my palms on the table, leaning forward. "I came here to revamp the Icehawks' brand. To build something real and give this town a real boost."

I look around at the five-thousand-dollar suits and flashy gold watches.

"And now, you're telling me my job is to smile for the cameras and play the part of Blake Maddox's girlfriend?"

Greg waves his hand dismissively, that patronizing grin still plastered across his face. "Soph, come on. You're overthinking this."

"Overthinking it?" My laugh comes out sharp and bitter. "I wouldn't be put in this position if I was a man!"

The room plunges into dead silence.

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