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.

the West family has been going well. I heard you and Liz are getting a divorce. Can't you

finish, Remington sternly removed her arms and stepped away,

up at him, her

and firm, "Even if Liz and I were to part ways, you

you even named the corporation after me, and for my sake,

his tone leaving no

eyes brimmed with tears as she struggled to her

doesn't love you.

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

tried to defend her

well

a family whose hopes rested on

defiance had made her a target of their resentment,