Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

The middle-aged woman argued back, affirming her identity as Barbara's sister, Emma Jones.

Lizetta was taken aback, realizing that Barbara had discovered Eileen was an imposter.

Eileen hurried over, anxiously addressing Remington.

"That lady suddenly burst in and exposed me. I had no idea what was happening. Barbara was deeply shocked, and then that Miss rushed in too, claiming she was carrying a child from the West family. Barbara became extremely agitated and fainted."

Eileen then gestured towards Evelina. Remington's gaze was sharp as a blade, turning towards Evelina.

Evelina felt as though she was being dissected under that intense scrutiny, her heart racing yet strangely unafraid.

Eileen was a fake Stella. And the child she was carrying was her trump card.

Stepping forward, her hand on her lower back and belly protruding, she spoke softly, "I was just coming to the hospital to visit Mrs. West, considering she's going to be my baby's grandma. I heard she had surgery again recently and couldn't help but worry.

Little did I know, I'd walk in right as Mrs. Jones had upset her. I feared Mrs. West might be heartbroken over her daughter being a fraud, potentially harming herself from the distress.

That's why I rushed in to tell her I was pregnant with Quentin's child, hoping to save her. I didn't expect her to faint." Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Evelina's face was a mix of concern, guilt, and innocence, her words sincere. But Remington saw through her intentions.

His eyes were cold and unyielding as he spoke, "Who gave you the right to decide on your own!"

Evelina, seemingly startled, stepped back, clutching her belly. Martin stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Evelina and instructed the servants.

"Take her aside to rest and make sure she's well taken care of."

Turning back to Remington, he said, "Remington, we didn't tell your godmother about this because Evelina's pregnancy was fragile at first. But she's past the critical first trimester now, and the baby is stable. Your godmother already knows Stella wasn't found. Without giving her hope, she might... Even if Evelina hadn't told your godmother, I would have. Evelina meant well; don't blame her."

As the West family's servants escorted Evelina to the resting area, she lowered her head, a smirk crossing her face.

She knew this child was her last bargaining chip. The Hawthorne family had gone bankrupt, her parents now living in a cramped apartment, resigned to their fate.

But Evelina refused to give up. Back in Celestia, she had tried everything to seduce Remington, who remained uninterested, not giving her a shred of hope.

With the Hawthorne family business failing, in desperation, she found herself in a situation with Quentin, who had been drugged.

It was a calculated move on her part. Quentin was not as desirable as Remington, but Remington and the West family were close, and Quentin was considered a brother by him.

If she couldn't be Remington's woman, becoming his sister-in-law, Mrs. West, was the next best thing.

But fate was cruel, and she ended up pregnant with Quentin's child, only for him to die in a car accident shortly after.

Yet, she still had her luck; the child in her womb was now the sole heir to the West family fortune.

Exposing Stella as a fraud, causing Barbara to collapse, was a perfect scenario for Lizetta to take the blame.

Better for Barbara to die on spot; if Barbara didn't survive, Evelina was eager to see if Lizetta's wedding would still happen. Remington would surely despise Lizetta, a turn of events Evelina relished. Passing by Lizetta, Evelina cast a glance at Lizetta. Her gaze was dripping with sinister joy, leaving Lizetta feeling as if ensnared by a venomous snake.

It was then that she heard Remington's icy voice questioning Emma, "How did you find out Stella was an impostor we had brought in?"