Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta looked at the man's stern profile, her breathing momentarily uneven.

Yolanda was quite surprised too. After some time apart, it seemed even Badass Remington had learned the art of diplomacy. Shame that some folks seemed to have regressed.

Timothy had been silent since he arrived.

At Remington's command, he waved dismissively at the manager. "Get to work, and next time, open your eyes wide. Don't just listen to gossip. Recognize the lady of the house before you act, or nobody will save you next time!"

Timothy gave the manager a firm pat on the head, a clear sign he'd narrowly avoided disaster. The manager quickly agreed, closing the lounge door and standing guard outside.

Timothy approached Lizetta, a warm smile on his face. "Sis, you must be tired. Why don't you and Ms. Yolanda sit down? I'll get us some fruit and drinks, and we can talk this through."

Yolanda looked at Timothy, her smile showing her approval. "Mr. Temple knows what's up, unlike some who can't see or think straight."

"I hurt

relaxed. The other girls gathered around them, eyeing the closed lounge door and the circle

please, talk to Mr.

deflect. "This mess started because of you and Jane's actions. You're the one

Dashiell's making

of a molehill, not Cassius. Didn't you say you and Mr. Dashiell were childhood

own wedding

was all that just talk?" Stella's expression darkened further with each word until

group, attracting everyone's attention. Biting her lip, she protested, "Ms. Yolanda's issue really has nothing to do with us, understand Ms. Gardenia and Ms. Yolanda's feelings, but we wish to leave now. Why are we being

trying to maintain her dignity. "Mr. Temple, my family and our artists have supported your