Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta paused momentarily, her mind racing. She knew Remington was reminding her that it was pointless to try and get anything out of Stella tonight, especially since she'd had too much to drink.

But what she hadn't anticipated was that Remington had people inside the West family. It seemed like he was still investigating Daisy's case. Yet, that night, she distinctly heard him and Ray sneak out, clearly onto something.

She had always assumed Remington had unearthed some damning evidence against the Wests but, for Stella's sake, wouldn't seek vengeance for Daisy. That day at the West's, when she bumped into Stella, she pleaded with him to give Daisy justice, yet he still reached some form of settlement with the Wests.

Lizetta's disdain for the man had reached its peak, but now he was still investigating the West family. Earlier, in the restroom, his uncompromising attitude toward Stella didn't seem like he was blindly protecting her...

It was all so confusing to Lizetta, feeling like she was being kept in the dark about something. But she quickly pinched her fingertips, regaining her composure.

How could she so easily waver in her views of him, thinking she had misunderstood him? Perhaps he was just feeding her lies, trying to keep her from digging further into the Wests.

She nodded slightly, "I understand now."

Cedric was driving, gripping the steering wheel tightly, his heart aching as he listened to Lizetta's icy voice. Seeing Remington not offering any explanations, he blurted out in desperation, "Ma'am, you've got the boss all wrong. He really..."

"Cedric! Focus on driving," Remington cut him off, seemingly knowing what Cedric was about to say.

Cedric sighed, biting back his words, and looked straight ahead. Then, Remington's phone rang. He took it out, glanced at the screen, his expression darkening, and turned off the screen. However, the caller was persistent, ringing again shortly after.

With a slight purse of his lips, Remington finally swiped to answer. The car fell silent as he held the phone to his ear, but Lizetta could still clearly hear the familiar, authoritative voice on the other end. "Remington, did you order someone to watch over Shirley as she knelt in the chapel?"

It was Nathan Dashiell, his voice tinged with reproach.

"Yes."

Remington responded calmly, and Nathan's displeased tone resounded once more.

"Remington, what on earth did she do to deserve such punishment? Kneeling for twelve hours, her legs could be ruined! Enough is enough, this is ridiculous, Shirley knows she was wrong. Let her get up now."

Remington's eyes were icy as he gazed out the window, the passing neon lights casting a cold glow. "She's not a first-time offender. It's time she learned her lesson."This is from NôvelDrama.Org.

From the phone, Shirley's wails were faintly audible, crying out for help. "Uncle, save me, please... my legs hurt so much, I really know I was wrong..."

Then came Nathan's stern command. "Let her go. Is the Dashiell family's young lady someone you can just detain at will?"

"Sorry, sir, we're just following Mr. Remington Dashiell's orders. Please don't make it hard for us. If Mr. Remington Dashiell gives the word, we'll release Miss Shirley Dashiell immediately." "Ray!"

Nathan's shout was unmistakably clear. Lizetta's eyelashes fluttered. When Remington had ordered the bodyguards to take Shirley back to the Dashiell family chapel to be punished, Lizetta hadn't taken it seriously.

Shirley was the only girl in her generation of the Dashiells and was usually doted on, which undoubtedly contributed to her spoiled behavior Lizetta had thought Shirley was merely being escorted away as a gesture, never imagining Remington was serious about the punishment, even having Ray personally oversee Shirley's kneeling.