Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 51

Remington sidestepped smoothly, not batting an eyelid as he dodged Evelina’s little stunt.

With an even tone, the guy said, “It shouldn’t be Lizetta who asked Joseph to stir things up. You’ve mistaken her.”

Evelina was gobsmacked. Here she was, and Remington was quick to jump to Lizetta’s defense. Tears welled up as she looked up, choking on her sobs, unable to get a word out, and buried herself in Shirley’s embrace.

Shirley, playing the spokesperson Evelina wished for, laid into Remington, “Remi, just look at the state Eve’s in! She’s been practically living in the hospital, always roughed up by Lizetta, who you’ve spoiled rotten! Eve’s the biological daughter, and Lizetta’s just a faux one. If it wasn’t for your backup, she wouldn’t dare to be this brazen! Eve’s been through the wringer, and you’re still shielding Lizetta? C’mon, Joseph’s just a kid; he’s got no beef with Eve. He wouldn’t pick on her for no reason – it’s gotta be Lizetta pulling his strings! Joseph’s been Lizetta’s little puppet since forever!”

Shirley was secretly hoping Remington would beat Lizetta up now that Evelina was hurt so bad. A nobody, an ill–omened wretch, and she was trampling over her? No way!

Remington’s gaze was heavy enough to turn Shirley pale, her heart skipping a

beat.

“Shirley, on what grounds are you standing here? Don’t forget you’re a Dashiell. Lizetta is your sister–in–law! Get out.”

His voice was calm, not scolding, but Shirley was petrified, not daring another peep. She knew Remington was livid, and she wasn’t about to test his limits.

Her eyes reddened as she staggered away from Evelina and ran out. Evelinal fell back onto the bed, her lips trembling.

shot across the bows for me? You’re blaming me when I’m the one who got the short end

14:10

Chapter 51

freely, the picture of distress. Remington saw her tear–streaked face, but his

glimmer of annoyance in his eyes.

give him a talking–to and have him come apologize. But let me be clear, Lizetta had nothing to do with this mess. Here, take this card and treat yourself to whatever you fancy; let’s call it compensation.”

from his wallet, placed it on the nightstand without another glance at a

to the door, pulling it open

into

who turned her head away

gaze turned icy, his aura suddenly sharp.

Elara

his

by his direct confrontation, her head whipping around to face him. Wasn’t he worried about Evelina, leaving her and Joseph. behind, and now what

into his arms. In doing so, he accidentally bumped Elara, causing her to stumble and be caught by

“Does it hurt?”

reached out to touch Lizetta’s injured face but paused, not wanting to