Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta and Yolanda, what are they but products of the slums, daring to stand against the Millers and the Wests? It's all because they've got Remington backing them. You're the Miller family's cherished daughter, your uncle's pride and joy. His strictness with you is all due to his consideration of Remington. I went over to the Dashiells hoping to smooth things over for you. If Starlight Group and Glory Media could just collaborate, Martin West would be thrilled. He'd surely let go of any grudges, and all this drama would eventually blow over... Margaret was moved, especially in these past few days. She'd become the target of scorn, shunned by everyone. Those fair-weather friends had vanished, but only Stella remained by her side. "Stella, I always knew you were different from the others, thank you." But Stella appeared guilty, apologizing, "Don't say that. Unfortunately, my timing was off. Lizetta was at the Dashiells, and when she heard I was there to plead your case, she kept it from Fiona Dashiell and Remington and refused to let me in. Worse yet, she had the audacity to slap me."

Margaret was furious at Lizetta. She thought she had Yolanda cornered. Because of Lizetta, the tables had turned, and now she was the one exposed online. Even her engagement to Cassius Sterling was at risk. Mrs. Sterling wouldn't even take her calls, fearing the scandal would affect the marriage. Thinking of all this, Margaret was filled with burning hatred. "How dare Lizetta! Stella, you're Mr. Dashiell's lifesaver! What kind of relationship do the Wests and the Dashiells have that she, a divorced woman, dares to deceive Mr. Dashiell and Fiona Dashiell and slap you!"NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Stella managed a wry smile, "Well, she did grow up in the Dashiell family home. It's no surprise the staff obey her. Let's just swallow our pride this time. Remington, feeling guilty over her complications and loss of the child, has compensated her plenty. We should avoid her sharp edges for now."

Margaret slammed her soup bowl onto the table, fuming. "What is she, puffing herself up like that? Why should we have to put up with this from her!"

"What can we do, though? Remington, feeling guilty, won't even consider being with me now..."

Stella's tears began to fall. Margaret, however, saw an opportunity. Her eyes lit up as she firmly grasped Stella's hand. "Stella, stop crying. What's the use? The priority is to remind Mr. Dashiell of your worth, to show everyone you're the woman he should truly cherish!"

Margaret had it all figured out. She

needed to help Stella. As long as Stella got back with Remington soon, without Remington's support, Lizetta and Yolanda wouldn't stand a chance. Once Stella became Mrs. Dashiell, just a whisper in Mr Dashiell's ear would be enough, and the Millers would be connected to the Dashiells. Even her father would have to see her in a new light.

"What do you mean by that?" Stella feigned ignorance. She nervously clutched Margaret's hand, "Please, don't cause more trouble. If it angers your uncle again, that won't be good."

Margaret looked at Stella's timid demeanor with contempt, further solidifying her resolve. Stella had been scared into submission by two slum-dwellers. But Margaret wasn't raised to be frightened. The pain she endured, she'd pay back tenfold, a hundredfold. Besides, Stella's meek nature could work in her favor. Once she became Mrs. Dashiell, she'd surely follow Margaret's lead.

Margaret tightened her grip on Stella's hand Don't worry, just wait for the good news." Stella lowered her head a sly smile tugging at her lips. Margaret, naive as she might be, sometimes it's the naive ones who can pull off the most

in ook

unexpected moves. She better not disappoint.