Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington glanced at Fiona, his lips pressed into a thin line. Grandma had clearly intended to help him win back Liz. Now that Liz was still here, why stir the pot by inviting Stella over? "Grandma, we finally have Liz back for a quiet dinner. Why spoil it by inviting someone unrelated over?"

Remington's tone was disapproving, while Fiona looked at him with a half-smile. "Guests are guests; it's only polite to greet them."

Remington couldn't grasp Fiona's logic, casting a worried look towards Lizetta. Lizetta caught his gaze and lifted the corners of her lips.

"Mr. Dashiell, you seem so anxious; it makes you look guilty. What, are you afraid I'll make things hard for Ms. West?"

Lizetta actually didn't mind seeing Stella; they had old scores yet to settle. Misinterpreting his concern, Remington's expression darkened slightly as he retorted, "As long as you're happy."

At that moment, the butler ushered Stella in. Stella was dressed in an elegant cream-colored French dress paired with a light purple cashmere cardigan, accented with a slim black belt cinching her waist. Her hair was loosely tied back into a bun, adorned only with a pair of pearl earrings. She also carried a thermal food container, presenting a modest and gentle appearance that would instantly endear her to the older generation.

Upon entering, her gaze lingered on Remington for a few seconds, her eyes curving into a smile before she turned to Fiona. "Fiona, with the weather being so unpredictable, I've made some bird's nest soup, a cure-all that's great for the spirit. Please, have some." Stella approached with the container, only then seeming to notice Lizetta, her face turning a shade paler. "Liz, you're here too? Is this a bad time? I hope I'm not intruding."

Lizetta didn't bother with pleasantries, nodding bluntly, "If I say you're intruding, would you leave now?"

Stella hadn't expected such

boldness from Lizetta, especially in front of Fiona Lizetta must be crazy. Remington might tolerate Lizetta' behavior, but Fiona, with her emphasis on propriety and appearance, would surely

disapprove. Yet, this might veline

Stella's favor, showcasing her as more gracious and understanding by comparison.

Caught off guard but still managing restraint, Stella apologized. "I'm sorry, if that's the case, I'll take my leave now and visit Fiona another time."

Having been brought in, Stella

must've been expected by Fiona.

et el

Now that Lizetta wasn't Mrs. Dashiell anymore, what right did she have to dismiss one of the grandmother's guests? Wouldn't that be an affront to Fiona?

Just as Stella turned to leave, Fiona's voice stopped her. "Wait a moment."

Stella turned back, hopeful, waiting for Fiona to comfort her, perhaps even send Lizetta away. Instead, Fiona chided, "Stella, you're being too sensitive."

Stella was flabbergasted, unable to follow Fiona's logic. Fiona continued sternly, "Lizetta was just joking, and here you are making a scene. Isn't that making everyone uncomfortable?"Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Stella was speechless, feeling utterly nauseated. Was Fiona blind? How could Lizetta's remarks be taken as a joke?

Biting back her frustration, Stella

managed a forced smile. "Oh, Lizetta was joking? My mistake then. I know she has many misunderstandings about me and hasn't liked me much. After our last encounter at the club, where I drank a whole bottle of brandy to apologize to Lizetta and ended up sick, I hoped she would see my sincerity and we could move past our differences. I'd do anything for that."