Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Alright, alright, next time Liz tells a joke, I'll be the first one to laugh, alright? If Liz gives a big smile, I'll match it, tooth for tooth, okay?" Her cheeks flushed at his indulgent tone, and she shot him a playful glare.

"Then show me a big, eight-tooth grin right now."

Remington? Laugh that openly? That was a rare sight. He immediately frowned and stood up, pretending to chase after her.

"I'll see when you've got the guts to tease me again, you cheeky little thing!"

Startled, she took off running.

"Liz?"

Remington called out, thinking she might have hung up on him again. He glanced at his phone to check the call.

Liz, jolted back to reality by his call, felt her heart flutter, perhaps due to the fondness of the memory.

"If you're not busy, I was just about to head out for lunch..."

She said hurriedly, but Remington interrupted her.

"I've unblocked you on WhatsApp. No need to keep my number blocked, right?"

Liz pursed her lips, "Maybe when I'm in a better mood!"

With that, she hung up without waiting for a response.

But as she looked up, she saw her reflection in the elevator mirror, her face surprisingly full of smiles.

Liz was taken aback.

The ping of a WhatsApp message caught her attention, her eyelashes fluttering in anticipation.

She glanced down, and sure enough, it was from Remington.

He had sent her the location of a restaurant and a time for dinner.

Thinking about dining with Remington and the questions she wanted to ask, the smile on Liz's face slowly faded.

She sighed softly, closing the chat without replying.

In the afternoon, Liz and her

colleagu

for

Lilian headed to the

Group to submit a proposal

oration.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they got out of the car in the underground parking lot, they ran into Stella.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Stella walked over to Liz with a smile, acting as if they were close friends.

Liz couldn't help but admire Stella's nerve; not everyone could act as if they had memory loss.

"Ms. West, I'm guessing the slap mark hasn't faded yet? Eager for a couple more?"

Liz flicked her wrist dismissively.

Stella's face was caked in makeup attempting to cover the still visible slap mark. Seeing Liz raise her hand, Stella instinctively stepped back.

Facing Liz's mocking gaze, Stella's expression stiffened, her cheeks throbbing anew.

But as Liz tried to walk past, Stella followed, frowning.

"What are you doing at the Starlight Group?"

Liz was annoyed, "None of your business."

Stella grabbed Liz, signaling her assistant.

"You go on up."

Then, to Lilian, she said, "We have something to discuss, if you don't mind."

Dressed in designer labels and sporting an expensive watch, Stella's demeanor was haughty.

Lilian glanced at Liz, not wanting any trouble, and turned towards the elevator.

Liz, impatient, shook off Stella's hand, coldly saying, "Stella, you're really something. Go chase after any man you like, use whatever tricks you want. Why keep bothering me? Anyone would think you're interested in me."