Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington watched Stella's tear-streaked face, her anxious and furrowed brow, feeling a mix of impatience and sympathy.

He couldn't help but think of Liz, who, despite her delicate appearance, had bravely left with her unborn child, managing to take care of herself and little Daisy admirably.

He wished Liz would show some vulnerability, some need for him, but she seemed only to want distance.

"Remington, please, don't make me leave," Stella's pleading voice snapped him back to reality.

He looked at her with a mix of annoyance and pity. Considering the hardships and trauma she'd endured over the years, he tried to suppress his irritation, speaking more gently. "You're the West family's heiress. Your brother's gone, and your father's getting older and his health isn't great. Who else is going to carry the West family legacy?"

He picked up the documents, walked around his desk, and handed them back to Stella.

"Take a good look at these. I've got another meeting, so I can't keep you."

As he turned to leave, Stella suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

she sobbed, "Remington, can't you help me? The collaboration between Starlight Group and the West family has been going well. I heard you and Liz are getting a divorce. Can't you consider

she could finish, Remington sternly removed her arms and stepped away, causing

her eyes were filled

firm, "Even if Liz and I were

can't believe you feel nothing for me. After all these years, you even named the corporation after me, and for my sake, you nearly

Remington cut her off again, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "It's just guilt, nothing

she struggled to her feet, choking on her

Liz doesn't

Do you think I'm tainted? That's not true. Despite the beatings and the cold, it was because I fought back against that foot they wanted me to marry. I've never been touched; I'm

tried to defend

well

plight controlled by a family whose

a target of their resentment, leading to years