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?"

the Wests have been taking care of you and your mom. 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 face

and Barbara were using Cecilia as a

in a single-parent household, had a

torn, covering his face as he

coldly from the sidelines, his eyes mocking, not

how shameless they could be

had been kneeling

looked up,

everything is because of me! I'm the one who deserves to die

positioning herself in front of everyone, looking up as she grabbed Remington's pant

plea, she looked up at Remington and said, "Remington everything

to I was the one who asked

was cut off as Barbara rushed over,

say things like that! Why are you always

jail for me. I can't do it! If only I hadn't come back, it's all my fault... I've ruined everything..." Stella

this point, trying to coerce or bribe Ralap into taking the blame in front of Remington was