Hailey's pov
We barely made it through the front door of the mansion before the weight of the day crashed over us. Roy leaned against the wall in the foyer, exhaling like he’d been holding his breath for hours. The victory was sweet, but seeing his team fight without him on the ice had carved fresh lines of frustration around his eyes.
I kicked off my shoes and turned to him, cupping his face gently. “You’re still their captain. Nothing changes that.”
He gave a tired half-smile, but the sadness lingered. “Feels like everything’s changing.”
Ryan headed upstairs to check security feeds, giving us space with a knowing look.
I took Roy’s hand and led him to the living room couch, pushing him down gently onto the soft leather. He sat back, watching me with that intense gaze that always ma
