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.

found himself

I've always

even colder, the

undeterred by the chilly atmosphere, stroked his

to call her Litchi all the time, and it never bothered you before. Let me think... Is it because you're now officially divorced and feeling insecure about Litchi,

"You know too much."

confidence

any man could

admission, Timothy was genuinely

his insecurities about a woman, a side of him Timothy never expected to

a sudden pang of guilt for pushing too far,

like this; it's kinda scary. Want me to check on Lizetta

up, nodding immediately,

Timothy was speechless.

demeanor had shifted completely, his vulnerability

"Uh, Remi,

quickly handed Timothy a bag prepared