Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Ray stumbled upon an old photo of Elsa on his phone and couldn't help but exclaim. Handing his phone over to Remington, their attention was suddenly hijacked by the sound of conversation at the door of the

hospital room.

"What's this about the real heiress of the Madden family? Let me see."

"Liz is the true heiress of the Madden family? Which Madden family are we talking about? The wealthiest in Tranquil Meadows?"

It was Cassius Sterling and Timothy Temple who walked in, one after the other, just in time to catch Ray's words.

Cassius moved forward, grabbing Ray's phone eagerly to look at the photo, his surprise evident.

"Damn, at a glance, you could mistake this for a vintage-filtered photo of Lizetta."

The resolution of the photo found online was mediocre at best, blurring the facial features slightly but indeed, the resemblance was striking.

Timothy, leaning over Cassius's shoulder to peek at the screen, chimed in, "I heard this Florence was a stunner, a renowned belle of Tranquil Meadows back in the day. No wonder Litchi looks so gorgeous; she takes after her mom..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence before catching the icy stare from Remington.

Lifting his gaze, Timothy found himself locked in Remington's chilling gaze.

Caught off guard, Timothy mumbled, "What's the big deal? I've always called her Litchi since we were kids. We're practically siblings."

Remington's expression turned even colder, the tension around him almost tangible.

Timothy, undeterred by the chilly atmosphere, stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"I used to call her Litchi all the time, and it never bothered you before. Let me think... Is it because you're now officially divorced and feeling insecure about Litchi, seeing me as a rival?" Remington's features hardened, a bitter smile faintly tugging at his lips.

"You know too much."

Indeed, his confidence was shaken.

He even felt that, in Lizetta's eyes, any man could have a chance but him.

Seeing Remington's forlorn admission, Timothy was genuinely taken aback.

Remington, usually so proud and unyielding, was openly revealing his insecurities about a woman, a side of him Timothy never expected to witness.

Feeling a sudden pang of guilt for pushing too far, Timothy cleared his throat, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Remi, don't be like this; it's kinda scary. Want me to check on Lizetta for you, maybe talk to her?"

Remington's eyes snapped up, nodding immediately, "Yes, go now."Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

Timothy was speechless.

Remington's demeanor had shifted completely, his vulnerability replaced with an expectant eagerness.

Realizing he'd been played, Timothy laughed awkwardly, "Uh, Remi, I didn't bring anything to visit her with..."

Ray quickly handed Timothy a bag prepared for the visit.

"This is for Mr. Temple. Mrs.

Temple's room is just next door het

you don't need me

you to

the way?" Content belo shet

With a resigned smile, Timothy accepted the bag and headed next door.

Knocking and entering the adjacent room, Timothy was greeted by the sight of Lizetta sitting up in bed flanked by two men. It was clear as day what was happening.

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Remington had sent him as a proxy, knowing he'd be kicked out on sight if he came himself.

But what had Timothy done to deserve playing the unwelcome troublemaker?