Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz gazed up at the man before her, torn between the sincerity gleaming in his eyes and the impeccably timed essence of his presence tonight. At her most vulnerable and terrified moment, his embrace had somehow managed to stir something uncontrollable within her heart.

Yet, she knew all too well that this was nothing but a sweet snare laid out for her.

Biting the tip of her tongue, she forced herself to stay alert, gently pulling away from his grasp as she shook her head.

"Expecting me to entrust Daisy and myself to your care? I'm afraid that might just be signing our death warrants."

Her eyes, cold and questioning, bore into him with a hint of sarcasm.

Remington's heart sank, his handsome features paling. "Liz, you cut right to the heart."

Liz stood defiantly, locking eyes with him.

"Because I'm speaking nothing but the truth. The people who showed up tonight, you're telling me you have no idea who sent them? I've fled miles to escape, nearly losing my life in the process. Do you really think I'd willingly walk into a trap?"

It was clear to her that the West family hadn't ceased their search. And the only reason for their relentless pursuit was to clear the way for Stella West.

The air around Remington turned icy as his jaw tensed, falling into a heavy silence.

Mentioning the West family seemed to have struck a nerve, leaving Liz feeling even colder, as if the very cup she held lost its warmth.

Setting her cup down, she laid back, pulling the covers around her. "I'm so tired, I need to rest," she said, turning her back to Remington.

He watched her silent form, his eyes reddening as he spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Whoever dares to harm you or the child, I won't hesitate or show mercy, let alone cover for them!"NôvelDrama.Org © content.

His silence wasn't out of doubt but disbelief that she lacked even that basic trust in him.

Liz, with her eyes closed, felt a pang of emotion at his words but remained silent, unsure if she could still believe him.

The room fell into a dead silence until the sound of someone approaching broke the stillness. It was Ray.

"Mr. Remington Dashiell, three are down, and the others have been dealt with. Local authorities have been notified..."

Hearing about the casualties, Liz's face, which had just regained some color, turned pale again. She sat up abruptly, her voice tinged with urgency.

"What about Dora?"

"Ma'am, Dora's been injured but it's nothing life-threatening. She's been taken to the hospital," Ray reassured.

Relief washed over Liz, her eyes moistening as she thanked Ray, her concern for him evident.

Caught off-guard by Liz's concern, Ray was about to leave when he stopped, returning to the doorway to respond loudly.

"Don't worry, ma'am, those fools couldn't lay a finger on me. As for Mr. Remington Dashiell, he did sustain some injuries..." Before Ray could finish, the door was abruptly pulled open.

Remington stood there, his gaze as sharp as a blade, directed at Ray.

"You talk too much."

Ray looked innocent, simply responding to Liz's concern with mo intention of boasting, especially not about being better than Mr. Dashiell. It seemed he might have struck a nerve regarding Remington's pride.

Realizing this, Ray quickly added, "I didn't mean to imply I'm better, ma'am. Mr. Remington Dashiell is far more skilled than I am. He got injured because he was too worried about you, lost focus while searching for you in the villa..."

Before Ray could finish, Remington shut the door in his face, effectively cutting him off.