Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 8

“April? Isn’t she Evelina’s agent? What does she want with you?”

“She wants to set up a songwriting session.”

“For Evelina? Wow, talk about dropping 100 grand right off the bat.”

“Uh–huh,” Lizetta nodded and casually blacklisted April’s number.

Yolanda couldn’t help but crack up, “Evelina’s got some nerve, with her mediocre chops!”

Lizetta dropped her bags off at Yolanda’s place and hopped a cab to Starlight.

The Dashiell Group, a hundred–year–old empire, was like an aging aircraft carrier showing its flaws, hard to turn around. Eight years back, Remington made some bold moves, carving out the Starlight Group from the Dashiell. Group, infusing it with fresh lifeblood.

Under his guidance, the Starlight Group rode the waves, gobbling up growth at a pace that left the Dashiell Group in the dust.

Nowadays, the Dashiell Group was still in the hands of Remington’s dad, Nathan, but it was Remington who was the star player at the helm of the Starlight Group, outshining his old man. They said he was the heir of the Dashiell Group, but it was pretty clear they were riding on his coattails now.

A year ago, Fiona, wanting to foster some marital bonding, had Lizetta join the Starlight Group’s president’s office as a lowly clerk.

The office was buzzing today, with secretary Lydia handing out wedding candies because she was pregnant and leaving.

Lizetta snagged some candy, offering her congrats. Back at her desk, she started typing up her resignation letter.

Lydia spotted this and blurted out in surprise, “Lizetta, you got a bun in the oven too?”

usual. Beauties always

slew of admirers, till Remington caught sight of her

married had finally fended off the suitors, though nobody knew she was hitched

for a different reason.”

on having kids? Makes

back in shape sooner rather than later, but

so perceptive, got the wrong end of the stick, “Your hubby’s shooting blanks?”

capable; it’s just that

Lydia was gobsmacked.

breath on top of that? Girl,

in the parking lot and thought the woman looked like Lizetta, so she asked if it was Lizetta’s hubby picking her

husband had never kissed, which somehow spiraled into the office joke

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Chapter 8

herself saddled with another rumor. She

cold, aristocratic face and slapped this new

you work now? The Starlight

stony–faced Remington, her smile freezing on her

up, and then glanced at the boss nervously, breaking out in

went pale. The boss‘ aura was just

was about to intervene when Remington spoke up, “Thanks for your hard work. Hand out the resignation bonus; might as well spread some

Lydia quickly thanked him, relieved. The tension in the room melted away,

sec,” he walked