checked
Adaptation proved more challenging than expected. By week’s
ad indeed demonstrated his commitment–aving first to practice, leaving last, volunteering for community events, even reconnecting
with teammates whold grown distant during his spiral
More unexpected was the public’s response en Jack gave an exclusive interview to Sports Mustrated about his recovery journey fan sentiment shifted dramatically Social media filled with supportive messages. signs appeared at games urging his return to the lineup, and merchandise sales bearing his number
increased for the first time in months
The redemption narrative is powerful Lisa explained during their wey PR meeting “Right now, the public is rooting for him. If we trade him at this moment, we risk significant backlash”
“We can’t make personnel decisions based on public sentiment Alek argued
“But we can’t ignore it either countered Marketing Director Peterson. ‘Reynolds jersey sales are up thirty percent since the interview”
Emma listened to the debate with growing unease. The clean break she’d envisioned was becoming messier
by the day.
Most concerning was the subtle shift in team dynamics. Players whold privately supported Jack’s trade now advocated for his second chance. Coach Donovan, previously in favor of moving on, reported improvements in Jack’s performance metrics that couldn’t be ignored.
By Friday evening. Emma was mentally exhausted from juggling the competing considerations. She canceled dinner plans with Alek to work late, reviewing performance data that might clarify the decision
A knock at her door interrupted her concentration.
“Come in,” she called, expecting the cleaning staff.
Instead, Veronica Wells swept in–Jack’s supermodel ex, resplendent in designer everything, looking even more stunning in person than in photographs.
“Ms. Mitchell,’ she said coolly. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Emma recovered from her surprise quickly. “Ms. Wells. This is unexpected.”
‘Til be brief.” Veronica sat uninvited, crossing impossibly long legs. Tm here about Jack.”
“That’s a team matter I can’t discuss
s with-”
“Im not here for gossip.” Veronica cut her off. Tm here to warn you.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Warn me?”
Jack is manipulating you. All of you.” Veronica’s perfect features hardened. “The contrition, the work et the charming interviews–it’s an act. One I’ve seen before”
“You were with him very briefly: Emma pointed out.
“Long enough.” Veronica leaned forward. “He did the same routine with me after our first big fight. Swore he’d changed, attended a few therapy sessions, became the perfect boyfriend… for about three weeks.”
“People can genuinely change”
en He wont Veronica’s certainty was chilling. “Jack needs control. When he feels it slipping, he’ll say or do anything to regain it. Right now, he’s performing for you, for the team, for the cameras–all to avoid the
trade he knows is coming”
Emma maintained her professional mask. “I appreciate your concern, but
“It’s not concern for you” Veronica stood gracefully. “It’s for him, Jack needs real consequences, not another chance to avoid them. I fought to get him into treatment. He walked out early because he convinced his counselors he’d had some miraculous breakthrough”
This new information gave Emma pause. “How do you know that?”
“Because his counselor called me when he left, worried he was rushing the process. Veronica moved toward the door. “Jack can be very convincing when his career is on the line. Just remember that when the cameras are gone and the pressure returns, so will the real Jack Reynolds.”
After Veronica left, Emma sat in stunned silence. The supermodel’s warning echoed her own suppressed doubts–was Jack’s transformation too convenient, too perfectly timed?
Her phone buzzed with a text from Alek: “Missing you tonight. How’s the data analysis?*
Emma stared at the message, suddenly overwhelmed by the competing pressures–professional responsibilities, personal relationships, ethical considerations, all wrapped in the complicated history of her
failed marriage.
She was still formulating a response when another message arrived–this one from Jack: *Wanted to thank you for this week. It means everything to have a second chance. Dinner tomorrow to discuss my community outreach ideas?*
The parallel requests–from her past and her future–crystallized the decision Emma had been circling all week. She replied to Alek first: *Analysis complete. Decision made. Talk tomorrow?*
Then to Jack *Team breakfast instead. 8AM, conference room B. Bringing full management team.”
She gathered the trade paperwork, adding a single post–it note before sliding it into her outbox “Proceed as planned.”
Sometimes the kindest path forward was the one that severed old connections completely. Jack needed a fresh start away from the complications of their shared history. The team needed clarity about its future. And Emma needed to stop looking backward in order to move forward.
As she prepared to leave, Emma touched the hockey stick and pen pendant Alek had given her. Jack Reynolds had been her past–important, formative, but finished. Her future lay elsewhere, with someone who saw her clearly and valued her completely.
It was time they all accepted that reality
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