Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

As the man finished speaking, he didn't glance back at Stella before striding confidently into the office.

Cedric shook his head slightly, quickly following behind.

The office door closed, leaving the secretary's area in utter silence.

Stella stood there, her face pale, unable to believe that Remington had just publicly embarrassed her like that.

She felt as if the gazes of those around her, who had just been singing her praises, were now filled with doubt and condemnation, almost burning through her skin.

One of the female secretaries, unable to hide her frustration, spoke up, "Ma'am, what happened?"

Stella, with an awkward expression, corrected her, "Ma'am? Please, don't call me that! Mr. Dashiell keeps work and personal life separate. This is an office, and he doesn't like it when people gather around for a chat during work hours. Let's get back to work, I won't keep you any longer."

With those words, she attempted to leave.

The female secretary grabbed her arm, "Ms. West, we're all in this because of you. Could you please talk to Mr. Dashiell and ask him to let this slide for us?"

The others echoed her plea, but Stella didn't dare agree.

Just as she was feeling trapped and unsure of how to extricate herself, the office door opened, and Cedric spoke up.

would like

mood among the

her chance, Stella quickly nodded with

right there." She hurried towards the

sitting at his desk, reviewing a document,

wanted to

could finish, Remington, without looking

stepped forward, blocking Stella's path,

a seat on

immovable and distant as a mountain, feeling a sourness in her

didn't

et So quietly followed

sofa area.

a stack of neatly compiled documents

West, please

about various management schools abroad, her hands trembled slightly. "Remington,

finally put

a school you like, and head abroad to study as soon