Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington fixed Martin with a cool gaze.

"Godfather really has no clue?"

Martin's face twisted in anger, "Clue about what?"

Remington didn't elaborate, simply nodding towards the door, "Let's go inside and have Barbara spell it out."

He reached out, gently grasping Lizetta's wrist through her clothing, leading her towards the villa.

Lizetta glanced down, noting that Remington had finally grasped the concept of personal space, holding her wrist rather than her hand, and she didn't resist. Inside the West family living room, Stella was a bundle of jittery nerves, excitement tinged with unease.

She had overheard a snippet of Remington's conversation in his office yesterday.

Remington had been arguing with Lizetta, and later, Mr. Barlow had dropped by with divorce papers for Remington to sign, on behalf of The Starlight Group.

After Mr. Barlow left, Stella had "accidentally" knocked his briefcase open at the elevator and caught a glimpse of the divorce agreement.

It seemed Remington was set to register his divorce from Lizetta today. After breakfast, as she was about to head to work at The Starlight Group, she got a call from Cedric telling her to wait at home because Remington would be coming over to the West household.

A newly divorced man, rushing over to the Wests, Stella couldn't fathom what it might mean.

help hoping for the

and her divorce drama, finally realizing Stella was

was different, his previous detachment merely a consequence of

could he be coming to

was even coming

Such were her hopes...

dress, its fluffy texture accentuated by thin black straps peeking

will finally see how good I am for him? If we go on a date, where should we go first? Oh dear, I forgot to p I breath spray. Which flavor did mom say

nov

strawberry..."

stayed close to Stella, but without her daughter's

a heavy premonition, suspecting trouble

the airport the day before didn't hint at a peaceful

from the hitman hired to silence Ralap, confirming Ralap's death, Barbara couldn't

Stella, lost in her sweet anticipations, failed to notice Barbara's

dashed upstairs, buoyed by her dreams, the sound of a car pulling up and the butler's

"Mr. Dashiell has arrived."

dared to address Remington by

even the servants referred to him respectfully