Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Mr. Remington Dashiell, Hogan visited your wife again this morning, brought her breakfast, and stayed in the room for about 43 minutes before leaving. After that, Daphne came in. She spent two hours providing psychological counseling to your wife. It seems like your wife really enjoyed Daphne's company. When Dr. Daphne was leaving, your wife even walked her to the elevator, they chatted for a bit before your wife returned to her room."

This morning's updates about Lizetta were promptly reported to Remington by Ray around noon. Included in the report was a photo of Lizetta and Daphne chatting in the hospital corridor. In the photo, Daphne was holding Lizetta's wrist, seemingly deep in conversation, while Lizetta listened intently, her face relaxed and smiling. At first glance, the scene seemed quite comforting. However, as Remington stared at the photo, his expression grew colder.

Ray added, "We've been keeping an eye on Hogan, and so far, there's been nothing unusual about his behavior towards your wife, other than introducing Dr. Daphne to her. But Dr. Daphne is quite skilled, and it looks like her treatment is really effective. Your wife's mental state has visibly improved. Hogan doesn't like Ms. Shirley Dashiell, he might have scared Ms. Shirley on purpose, but it seems he genuinely cares for your wife..."

Remington put the photo down, his voice icy. "A normal psychologist should earn their patient's trust, sure, but they don't need to be as close as friends. To maintain professionalism, they would usually keep a certain distance from their patients!"

Yet, in this photo, Lizetta and Daphne were too close, almost like friends. Remington knew Lizetta well. She might appear gentle and kind, but she's actually quite reserved. Her past experiences had built walls around her heart, making it difficult for her to open up to someone. That Daphne had only conducted three sessions with Lizetta and they were already this close made him suspect Daphne might have ulterior motives. Moreover, it was Daphne who had previously suggested to the Dashiell family that Lizetta should be let go. Despite Daphne's good reputation, there were plenty of psychologists in Zion City. The coincidence was too perfect.

Ray was startled, "Mr. Remington Dashiell, do you suspect Dr. Daphne might be involved in something fishy?"

Until now, Ray had thought Hogan's intentions towards Lizetta were genuine and everything was normal, especially since Lizetta was showing signs of improvement after the therapy sessions. But after hearing Remington's thoughts and looking back at the photo on the desk, a sense of unease crept over him, sending shivers down his spine.

"The wife could be brainwashed by Daphne, right? Like, forcefully implanting beliefs, making her think she's in love with Hogan, so she would only listen to Hogan, only trust Hogan!"

This thought terrified Ray, making

ove

him wish they could rush to the hospital right then to take Lizetta away. But Remington remained seated behind his desk, "You think this is a movie?" If psychologists could easily manipulate memories and change people's beliefs, wouldn't they be monsters? However, it was feasible for a psychologist during counseling sessions to subtly influence Lizetta's thoughts, like strengthening her intention to follow Hogan abroad. Perhaps, that was Hogan's goal all along. He wanted to take Lizetta away as soon as possible. With this thought, Remington's frown deepened.

In the afternoon, Hogan came to process Lizetta's discharge from the hospital. Lizetta didn't have many belongings, just a bag, which Hogan carried. "Liz, we can go now." As Lizett@nodded, ready to leave with Hogan, the door to her room

opened, and Remington entered with. Ray. Seeing Remington, LizettaBelongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

immediately frowned.

"What brings Mr. Dashiell here?" Hogan was the first to speak. Remington didn't look at Hogan but focused on the figure behind him. He noticed right away that Lizetta's instinctual reaction upon seeing him was to step slightly behind Dr. White.