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.

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

14:10

Chapter 51

Remington saw her tear–streaked face,

tad softer, a glimmer of

out of line today; I’ll 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

placed it on the nightstand without

open and leaving before

as he shut the door, he bumped into Kevin and his wife, with Lizetta trailing behind

eyes met Lizetta’s, who turned her head

icy, his aura

Elara began.

over her, his voice cold and accusing, “Who laid a finger on

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

his arms.

“Does it hurt?”

Lizetta’s injured face but paused,