Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Stella's grip on her phone tightened, her voice steady but filled with shock.

"How would I know? You left in such a hurry. Is something wrong at the office?"

"Liz is missing."

"What? Wasn't Liz performing in Summer City? How could she just vanish?"

"She disappeared right before the show."

"Where could she have gone? Do you think she's upset because you were with me at the dinner and couldn't be there for her performance?"

Stella spoke with a soft, soothing tone, her words earnest. Yet, her palm was sweaty, and her eyes darkened.

Her welcome-back dinner had turned into a farce.

her parents tried their best to lighten

more. She overheard a few ladies mocking her, saying she was more of a country bumpkin than ever, unable to even wear

in check, added, "Is Liz's phone off too? Don't worry too much, Remington. Once we find her,

disturb your welcome-back dinner. I'll make it up to you

Just focus on finding Liz first. Girls need to be coddled sometimes. You talk to her. I won't bother you anymore. And take care

warm. But his handsome face was devoid

Ray, "Keep

think this has something to do

told her Lizetta was missing. Most people would think of an accident or kidnapping first. Yet Stella, who'd been kidnapped before,

strange but couldn't rule out the possibility

of his nose, "Barbara wants me to marry Stella. The West family has a motive. Check where Hogan and Jerome are too. Liz couldn't have vanished

plan, without any accomplices. That way, she

They searched all over Summer City but found

surveillance was conveniently down during Lizetta's disappearance, with too many people backstage to narrow down suspects, and the bustling city

City, a bustling port

with its myriad exits