The Reveal
Emma stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror of the arena’s executive suite. The scarlet blazer Lisa had insisted on made her look confident, powerful–like someone who belonged in the owner’s box, not the wives‘ section. Her newly styled hair framed her face in soft waves, and subtle makeup enhanced her features without being overdone
“You look like a Mitchell,” she told her reflection
A gentle knock sounded at the door. “Five minutes, Ms Mitchell, called Walter, her grandfather’s ever–reliable assistant. “The team meeting is assembling”
“Thank you, Walter”
Emma took a deep breath, gathering the notecards with her prepared remarks. Most of the organization already knew about the announcement–the PR team, key executives, equipment managers. But the players, including Jack, were about to be informed just minutes before the press conference.
In the hallway, Alek waited, impeccable in a charcoal suit. His professional mask was firmly in place, but his eyes softened when he saw her.
“Ready?” he asked quietly.
“As I’ll ever be.”
They walked in step toward the team meeting room, maintaining a careful professional distance. Before they reached the door, Alek murmured, “Remember, no matter what happens in there, this is your moment. You’ve
earned it.”
Emma nodded gratefully as they entered the room.
The players were lounged across chairs in various states of attention–some scrolling phones, others chatting in small groups. Jack sat near the back, looking bored until he spotted Emma. His expression shifted from surprise to confusion to suspicion.
Coach Donovan called the room to order. “Listen up! Before today’s press conference, Mr. Volkov has an Important announcement.”
All eyes turned to Alek, who stepped forward with practiced authority.
“Gentlemen, today marks a significant transition in our organization. Franklin Mitchell, our majority owner, is officially transferring forty percent of his ownership stake to his successor, who will work alongside me in leading this franchise.”
Murmurs rippled through the room. Jack’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Emma.
“Td like to introduce you to our new co–owner–Ms. Emma Mitchell.”
The room fell silent. Emma stepped forward, feeling twenty pairs of eyes locked on her.
“Thank you, Alek.” Her voice was steady, confident. “Many of you know me as Emma Carter, Franklin Mitchell’s assistant. Some of you-” her eyes briefly met Jack’s -knew me as Emma Reynolds. My grandfather and I kept my identity private while I learned the organization from the ground up.”
Jack half–rose from his seat, mouth open in shock. Coach Donovan shot him a warning glance, and he slowly
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yet the post year analyzing our operations, understanding our strengths and weaknesses I believe in team and its potential four’s vore grew stronger “As your new co–owner, my priority is building a
organization both on and off the sce
She continued outlining her vision while watching the players reactions Most seemed surprised but Magion Only Jack looked like he’d been struck by lightning–pale, rigid, eyes burning with a mix of disbelief and betrayal
I
“We questions at the press conference, but I wanted you, the heart of this franchise, to hear this directly from now first me smiled “Thank you for your attention. Let’s make this organization the best in
As the concluded, the players broke into polite applause, many looking genuinely intrigued by this Mwanted development Coach dismissed them to prepare for the media, and they filed out–some nodding respectfully to Emme, others clearly still processing the news.
Jack remained seated, staring straight ahead. When the room had emptied except for Emma, Alek, and two discreet security personnel by the door, he finally stood.
“All this time,” he said, voice dangerously quiet. “All these years. You were a Mitchell.”
Emma nodded. “Yes”
“The team I played for The team I gave everything to. You owned it.” His laugh was hollow. “Was our entire marriage a joke to you?”
“Did you enjoy watching me bust my ass to provide for us when you were sitting on billions? Was it funny, pretending to be impressed by my salary?”
wasn’t like that.” Emma kept her voice level. “I never lied about who I was. You simply never asked.” “Bullshit” Jack stepped forward, causing one of the security men to tense. “You deliberately hid this from
“Because you made it very clear how you felt about trust fund kids‘ and ‘silver spoon executives.” Emma crossed her arms. “You wanted a wife who looked up to you, not one who could buy your team.”
Jack turned to Alek “And you. My boss. Screwing my wife behind my back while plotting to blindside me.” “Ex–wife, Alek corrected calmly. “And nothing happened between us until after you filed for divorce.”
“How convenient. Jack’s eyes flicked between them. “So what now? You two running the team together while I get shipped off to some armpit franchise?”
Emma stepped closer. “No decisions have been made about your future with the team, Jack, Your
performance will determine that, just like any other player”
“My performance” He laughed bitterly “Right. Just business.”
“It is just business,” Emma confirmed. “The same way it was just business‘ when you decided I didn’t fit your lifestyle anymore
The blow landed. Jack flinched slightly.
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The Reveal
“The press conference starts in fifteen minutes, Alek interjected. “We all need to be professionals
“Professional.” Jack shook his head in disgust. Fine. I’ll be professional. But this isnt over, Em
He brushed past them toward the door, then paused. “One question. That day you signed the dive settlement–you could have fought me, revealed who you were, demanded half my contract. Why didn’t your
Emma met his gaze steadily. “Because some things are worth more than honey, Jack Like dignit Self–respect.” Her voice softened slightly. “And because, despite everything, I didn’t want to hurt you?
Something flickered in Jack’s eyes–a brief glimpse of the man she’d once loved. Then it was g
by cold anger.
“Congratulations, Ms. Mitchell. The formal address felt like another divorce filing “I’m sure
ure you’ll be
fantastic owner.”
He walked out, leaving a heavy silence behind him.
Alek touched her elbow gently. “You okay?”
“Surprisingly, yes. Emma straightened her blazer. “That actually went better than expected”
“He’ll cause problems.”
“Probably. But he’s not my problem anymore.” She checked her watch. “I need to find Grandpa before the press conference.”
They walked briskly through the arena corridors, passing staff members who now regarded Emma with new respect or poorly disguised curiosity. Word spread fast in a hockey organization
Franklin waited in the green room, resplendent in his best suit despite his recent hospital stay. “There she is My brilliant girl. Ready to shock Boston?”
“I think Jack is already handling the shocking part,” Emma replied wryly. “He’s telling everyone who will listen
“Good!” Franklin’s eyes twinkled. “Free publicity.”
Lisa Chen bustled in, clipboard in hand. “The press room is packed. Every major sports outlet, business press, local stations. And social media is already buzzing–someone leaked.”
“Jack,” Alek muttered.
“I’m ready.”
“Doesn’t matter, Emma squared her shoulders. I’m ready.”
“That’s my girl.” Franklin offered his arm. “Let’s go make history.”
As they prepared to enter the press room, Emma caught Alek’s eye over her grandfather’s shoulder. He gave her a subtle nod that contained volumes–pride, support, and something deeper that made her heart race despite the circumstances.
The doors opened, and camera flashes erupted like lightning. Emma Mitchell stepped for and to claim place–not as Jack Reynolds‘ wife or Franklin Mitchell’s granddaughter, but as her own torce to be reckone
with
And somewhere in the back of the room, Jack Reynolds watched the woman he’d discarded become the most powerful person in his world.
