Chapter 366

TIMOTHY POV

Timothy stood before Mr. Porter's desk, his heart pounding in his chest as he awaited the club leader's decision. The tension in the room was palpable, the weight of Timothy's fate hanging in the balance.

Mr. Porter regarded Timothy with a measured expression, his features betraying no hint of emotion. "Timothy, as you know, your suspension from the hockey team was a result of the allegations brought against you," he began, his voice calm and authoritative. "However, given the recent developments in your case and the fact that you have been ruled innocent, I have decided to reconsider your status on the team."

A surge of hope surged through Timothy's veins at Mr. Porter's words, his heart pounding with excitement. Could it be possible? Could he really be allowed back on the team?

"Really?" Timothy asked, unable to contain his excitement. "You mean it?"

Mr. Porter nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, Timothy. You are officially allowed back on the hockey team," he said, his tone firm yet filled with a sense of finality. "Your innocence has been proven, and I see no reason why you should be denied the opportunity to continue pursuing your passion."

Timothy's heart soared with joy at the news, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Thank you, sir! You won't regret this, I promise," he exclaimed.

Mr. Porter chuckled, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "I certainly hope not, Timothy. But somehow, I don't think I will," he replied, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "Welcome back to the team, son."

With a sense of renewed purpose and determination, Timothy thanked Mr. Porter once more before turning to leave the office. As he stepped out into the hallway, a wave of relief washed over him, his spirits soaring with the knowledge that he had been given a second chance.

He had been allowed back on the team, a decision that filled him with a sense of renewed purpose and determination. As he made his way down the corridor, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, he was greeted by the sight of his teammates waiting for him, their faces alight with excitement.

"Timothy, you're back!" Ethan exclaimed, clapping him on the back. "We knew you could do it!"

The rest of the team echoed their congratulations, their cheers echoing through the hallway. Timothy felt a surge of pride swell within him as he basked in their camaraderie, grateful for their unwavering support.

"Thanks, guys," Timothy said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "It’s good to be back where I belong."

Ethan grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "To celebrate your return, how about we go out for drinks later? My treat."

Timothy's smile widened at the invitation. "Sounds like a plan. But first, I want to get some practice in. I need to shake off the rust before our next game."

The team nodded in agreement, their enthusiasm undiminished. With their spirits high, the group made their way to the rink, eager to hit the ice.

As they entered the rink, the sound of skates slicing through the ice filled the air. Timothy felt a surge of anticipation course through him as he laced up his skates, his muscles humming with anticipation.

But as he stepped onto the ice, his gaze was drawn to a figure gliding gracefully across the surface, their movements fluid and effortless. It was Alex, cocky as ever, practicing solo on the ice.

Timothy's jaw clenched involuntarily as he watched Alex, a flicker of anger igniting within him. Their rivalry had always been intense, but he’d taken full advantage of Timothy’s misfortune that year. Still, despite their differences, Timothy couldn't deny the skill and dedication that Alex possessed.

As Alex noticed Timothy approaching, his expression darkened, his eyes narrowing with hostility. Timothy squared his shoulders, steeling himself for the confrontation that was sure to follow.

Timothy's skates sliced through the ice with precision as he glided across the rink, his focus unwavering despite the distraction of Alex's presence. The tension between them crackled in the air, a silent challenge hanging between them like a sword poised to strike.

Alex, his posture haughty and his expression smug, skated towards Timothy with an air of superiority. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Timothy, the prodigal son returning to steal the spotlight once again," he sneered, his tone dripping with arrogance.

“Alex,” Timothy said simply, keeping his tone measured.

“What brings you here? I take it you groveled your way back onto the team?”

Timothy met Alex's gaze head-on, refusing to back down. "I'm actually here to practice, same as you," he replied, his tone firm.

Alex's lips curled into a sneer, his hostility palpable. "Don't think for a second that just because you're back on the team, things will go back to the way they were. I'll be watching you, Timothy. And if you step out of line again, I won't hesitate to put you in your place."

Timothy felt a surge of anger flare within him at Alex's words, his fists clenching at his sides. But before he could respond, Ethan stepped forward, placing a calming hand on his shoulder.

"Come on, Timothy. Let's focus on our practice," Ethan said, his voice steady. "We have a big game coming up, and we need to be at the top of our game."

Alex snickered. “Yeah, Tim. Listen to your little lacky. You need all the practice you guys can get if you want to even come close to what we’re going to give you.”

Timothy narrowed his eyes, refusing to be intimidated by Alex's bravado. "You seem awfully confident for someone who's about to get schooled," he retorted, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Alex chuckled, the sound grating on Timothy's nerves. "Is that so? We'll see about that. But mark my words, Timothy, you may have wormed your way back onto the team, but you won't be beating me if I have any say. I could get you benched if I wanted."

Timothy's jaw clenched at Alex's taunts, his temper flaring at the sheer audacity of the man before him. "We'll see about that," he shot back, his voice steely with determination. "But I wouldn't be so sure of yourself, Alex. Your days are numbered now that our team has a leader again."

Alex's eyes narrowed at Timothy's words, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. But before he could respond, Timothy continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a practice to attend. I suggest you take your leave before you embarrass yourself any further."

For a moment, Alex seemed taken aback by Timothy's boldness, his confidence wavering under the weight of Timothy's challenge. But realizing he was outnumbered, he reluctantly turned to leave, his expression a mask of simmering anger.

"One day, Timothy, you'll regret trying to challenge me," Alex spat, his voice filled with venom. "I think rookies ought to stay in their place, but until then, enjoy your little victory. It won't last long."

Timothy watched as Alex stalked away, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. The rivalry between them may have been fierce, but Timothy refused to be intimidated by empty threats.

Timothy took a deep breath, forcing himself to push aside his anger and focus on the task at hand. With the rest of the team by his side, he knew he wasn’t alone in wanting to teach Alex a lesson.

As he resumed his practice with renewed vigor, the fire burning within him only grew stronger. He was determined to show Alex that he was not to be underestimated, that he had what it took to lead his team to victory.

The finals may still be ahead, but Timothy was ready to face them head-on, with all the skill and determination he could muster. And with his eyes set firmly on the prize, he knew that victory was within reach.

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