Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington's face turned icy in an instant. With a furrowed brow and sharp eyes, he commanded sternly.

"Get out!"

Stella's face drained of color, her eyes reddening with the sting of humiliation.

"I-I'm sorry, I'll leave now, oh!"

As she turned, her movements were frantic and clumsy, causing her to bump her head against the doorframe.

The documents she was carrying scattered across the floor. She immediately knelt down to pick them up, tears streaming down her face.

Lizetta, of course, could hear Stella's distinctive voice over the phone.

At that moment, she recalled their encounter at the airport, where Stella mentioned she had been working closely with Remington at the Starlight Group for the past two months.

It dawned on Lizetta that Stella had been positioned by Remington's side in the company.

Remington always kept his professional and personal life separate. In the past, to foster a closer relationship between them, Fiona had arranged for Lizetta to work as a junior clerk at the Starlight Group's CEO office.

However, the moment Remington saw her at the company, his displeasure was evident. Later, he summoned her to his office and gave her a thorough scolding.

Had it not been for the insistence of the family matriarch, Lizetta would have been promptly expelled from the Starlight Group by Remington.

But Stella, who hadn't pursued further education over the years, was now working in the president's office at the Starlight Group. It was clear who had arranged this opportunity for her.

Lizetta felt a wave of relief that she hadn't fallen for Remington's smooth talk and ended up hopelessly devoted to him.

She scoffed, "It seems Mr. Dashiell is too busy to discuss matters with me now..."

Hearing her mockery, a vein throbbed on Remington's forehead, but before he could explain, Lizetta had already hung up. Stella, crying while gathering her documents, sported a noticeable bump on her forehead from the collision, looking pitiful. She hoped Remington would come over to assist her, providing an opportunity to speak well of the West family once more. Despite lacking concrete proof, she couldn't believe Remington would be entirely indifferent to past affections.

However, he remained seated behind his desk, showing no intention of helping, his gaze cold and oppressive, making Stella's heart race. Ultimately, Stella dared not do anything further. She collected the documents, wiped her tears, and pushed the door open to leave.

Back at the old mansion, Lizetta,

thinking negotiations with Remington had failed and fearing their marriage was doomed, wanted to storm the Starlight Group wielding a metaphorical broadsword in her agitation.

Unexpectedly as she was about to head upstairs, Mr. Barlow caught up to her, saying, "Ma'am, Mr. Dashiell just called. He said you can refuse everything else, but the child support of $20,000 a month is mandatory. Additionally, you can choose any property you like.

Mr. Dashiell insists he cannot let his child live in poverty without a proper home. If you agree, I'll amend the agreement right away..." Lizetta paused, then nodded without hesitation.

"I agree."

She was tired of dealing with Remington's antics.

Seeing her agreement, Mr. Barlow breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Just a moment, ma'am, I'll prepare the new agreement right away."

Turning to leave, Mr. Barlow was visibly stressed. In his years as a lawyer, he had never seen a divorce where the husband struggled to part with his assets.

He wasn't sure whether to admire Mr. Dashiell for his success or pity him for his failure.

Mr. Barlow quickly returned with the amended agreement, which Lizetta signed. He then left with the documents.

The next day, Cedric came to pick up

Lizella. She got into the car, and Cedric explained, "Ma'am, Mr. Dashiell has been away for almost a week, dealing with a backlog of urgent business. He worked through the night and had an emergency meeting this morning..."

Lizetta cut him off, "There's no need to update me on Mr. Dashiell's schedule. I'm only concerned whether he'll show up at the civil affairs office."

"Mr. Dashiell has already left the office, ma'am. Don't worry."NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

Lizetta nodded, "Please, call me Ms. Gardenia, thank you."

Cedric, facing Lizetta's resolute gaze, felt a wave of nervousness, "Ms. Gardenia..."