Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

On the way back, Lizetta was much more chilled out.

She didn’t just nail the Dories interview, but also spilled the beans about being preggers and that she couldn’t bust a move again until after the little one pops out next year.

Whether or not Dories would play ball was her call, but Lizetta couldn’t live with herself if she kept it under

wraps.

She also gave Dories a heads up that even if she got the thumbs down, she’d still hit the road to Veridia and apply again next year.

To Lizetta’s amazement, after mulling it over, Dories decided to roll the dice and give her a shot.

Dories shared that back in her youth, she had a bun in the oven too, but for the love of dance, she made the tough call to let it go; it was something she regrets now.

As the years stacked up, she shifted her perspective. She’s not buying the idea anymore that being a top–notch dancer means having to ditch the mommy gig to keep your shape and game strong.

She’s convinced that a woman’s life experiences can make a dancer shine in a way that’s off the charts, and she believed that you’ve got to get life to get dance.

Lizetta asked Dories to zip her lips about the baby news, and Dories pinky swore.

Hogan dropped Lizetta back at the hotel, and on the way back, Lizetta called the cops.

By the time they rocked up, the police were already there, who did the basic paperwork, and scooped up the hotel room’s thermos and other stuff for their probe.

After the cops bounced, Hogan was all kinds of serious.

“The CCTV’s busted, and the cup’s probably been wiped clean of any clues; Liz, don’t get your hopes too

high.”

Hogan figured the cops wouldn’t get anywhere fast, seeing as the other side seemed to have all their bases covered.

The time Lizetta was hustling to the airport was plenty for the perp to cover their tracks.

Lizetta had the same hunch, and not wanting to stress the baby, she downed a ton of water, which meant the blood samples would likely come back clean as a whistle.

And since she was all in one piece and had just knocked out for a bit, she reckoned the cops wouldn’t lose any sleep over it.

But how could–Lizetta let this slide?

“Liz, how you holding up? Was it that bitch Evelina’s doing?”

Just then, Yolanda came rushing in, all worked up. After hearing the lowdown from Lizetta, she was so ticked off that she kicked a chair over.

“What are the cops even doing, a massive hotel and just like that the cameras are out? It smells fishy as hell!

“Evelina must’ve set the whole thing up before making a move,” Lizetta said with a chuckle.

“So what now, we just let it go?”

Lizetta shook her head, and looked at Hogan, “Hogan, can I borrow a few of your guys?

07:12

Hogan cracked a pleased smile, “Of course, I was worried you’d be too stubborn to ask for help. Just a few guys, huh?”

An hour later.

At Rose Club, there was a swanky wine tasting shindig going on.

In the club’s biggest private room, under the dazzling lights and luxe vibe, a gorgeous pianist in a long dress was slowly playing the cello. Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

“Tonight’s wine tasting is also to celebrate Evelina’s first solo show success,” announced Shirley Dashiell, with her glass in hand, prompting a wave of congrats.

Evelina stood up with her glass too, but hers was filled with juice.

“The real challenge isn’t finding a fine wine, but the company to share it with. I can’t drink for health reasons, but I’m in high spirits just like everyone else tonight.”

Though she was addressing everyone, her eyes were all soft and gooey on the tall figure not far away.

Following her gaze, everyone turned to look at Remington in his slick black suit, looking all noble and composed, sipping and chatting with Timothy and Cassius.

This whole scene was Cassius‘ doing. Remington hadn’t planned on showing up, but Cassius parked himself in his office and wouldn’t budge.

Remington only realized Evelina was there after he arrived, and feeling all eyes on him, he shot Evelina a frosty, warning glare.

Evelina’s smile froze on her face, but just as she sat down, someone ventured a guess.

“Evelina’s been off the booze for a while, could it be?”

The implication hung in the air, and everyone’s eyes started drifting down towards Evelina’s belly.

With her head low, she touched her stomach.