Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Barbara lifted her gaze to meet Lizetta's clouded eyes, which were unfocused and murky, unsettlingly so.

Lizetta, harboring her venomous thoughts, shuddered instinctively.

Remington's hand, initially resting on Lizetta's wrist, slid down to grasp her hand firmly.

At the same time, the man, growing impatient, lifted his foot and slammed his polished Iridia leather shoe onto Ralap's knee.

Ralap twisted in pain, his body shaking. He looked up, reached out desperately to grab Barbara, and cried out with a hoarse voice.

"I was just doing what you told me, bringing people abroad to get rid of Mrs. Dashiell! You're the mastermind! You are!"

Barbara, though blind to the sight, could smell the strong scent of blood and feel its sticky presence.

She could only imagine what Ralap looked like now.

Her face showed a mix of horror and anger as she struggled and vehemently denied the accusations.

"Ralap! Think carefully about what you're saying. If your mom knew you were trying to pin this on Barbara, how could she go on living?"

Your uncle has treated you like his own son. This is biting the hand that feeds you! If your mom found out, she'd be too ashamed to

Cecilia as a means

a single-parent household,

as

watched coldly from the sidelines, his eyes mocking, not rushing

shameless they could

else, had been

she looked

me! I'm the one who deserves

herself in front of everyone,

a broken plea, she looked up at Remington and

me be the one to go to I was

cut off as Barbara rushed over, pulling her

What nonsense are you spouting? You can't just say things like that! Why are you always so

do it! If only I hadn't come back, it's all my fault... I've ruined everything..." Stella and Barbara embraced, Stella weeping

coerce or bribe Ralap into taking the blame in front of Remington