Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Ray stumbled upon an old photo of Elsa on his phone and couldn't help but exclaim. Handing his phone over to Remington, their attention was suddenly hijacked by the sound of conversation at the door of the

hospital room.

"What's this about the real heiress of the Madden family? Let me see."

"Liz is the true heiress of the Madden family? Which Madden family are we talking about? The wealthiest in Tranquil Meadows?"

It was Cassius Sterling and Timothy Temple who walked in, one after the other, just in time to catch Ray's words.

Cassius moved forward, grabbing Ray's phone eagerly to look at the photo, his surprise evident.

"Damn, at a glance, you could mistake this for a vintage-filtered photo of Lizetta."

The resolution of the photo found online was mediocre at best, blurring the facial features slightly but indeed, the resemblance was striking.

Timothy, leaning over Cassius's shoulder to peek at the screen, chimed in, "I heard this Florence was a stunner, a renowned belle of Tranquil Meadows back in the day. No wonder Litchi looks so gorgeous; she takes after her mom..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence before catching the icy stare from Remington.

his gaze, Timothy found himself locked in

big deal? I've always called her Litchi since we were kids. We're

expression turned even colder, the tension around him

chilly atmosphere,

you before. Let me think... Is it because you're now officially divorced and feeling insecure about Litchi, seeing me as a rival?" Remington's features hardened, a

"You know too much."

his confidence was

Lizetta's eyes, any man could have a chance but

forlorn admission, Timothy was genuinely

and unyielding, was openly revealing his insecurities about a woman, a side of him

of guilt for pushing too far, Timothy cleared his throat,

Want me to

up, nodding

Timothy was speechless.

shifted completely, his vulnerability

awkwardly, "Uh, Remi, I didn't bring anything

a bag