Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"You're just dependent on me because I saved you, that's all."

Stella stared at Remington, her eyes a mix of struggle and confusion.

"Is that so?" she asked after a moment, visibly shocked.

Remington nodded, and Stella bit her lip, looking down before asking again.

"And do you love Liz, Remington?"

"Yes, I love her. We had our misunderstandings in the past, and I've hurt her a lot, which led us to the brink of divorce. But I never thought about really leaving her, nor did I think about giving any other woman a chance. My wife, my love, it's always going to be her."

Remington's words were firm and unequivocal.

Stella's face turned even paler, and she took a step back, leaning on the desk. After a moment, she managed a bitter smile.

"I really envy Liz..."

Remington's lips tightened in a self-deprecating smile. "But she's not happy."

Stella sniffled and bent down to pick up the documents that had scattered on the floor.

"I understand now. I have my pride, Remington. Don't worry, I'll seriously consider going abroad.

Before I make my decision, I won't bother you anymore. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused during this time."

Her expression was lonely and sad, tears still visible on her face, but her eyes seemed somehow clearer.

Remington let out a sigh of relief and nodded.

"Stella, the reason I brought you back is so you can get back on the right track. Going abroad to enhance your skills, to catch up on the knowledge you've missed, and to come back to take control of the West family, that's what you should really be doing.

If you're worried about living

overseas, I can arrange for a couple

of more personal assistants for you, introduce you to some friends abroad who will look after you. You were so bright and talented as a child; once you regain your confidence, you'll adapt quickly."

Stella looked at Remington and then suddenly chuckled.

"You've never talked this much in one go to convince me of anything. You're really going out of your way to persuade me to go abroad."

"I'm not trying to force you," said Remington gravely.

But Stella read between the lines; he was being nice now, but if she ultimately refused, he might resort to more forceful means.

Stella's breath hitched, and sheNôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

gripped the documents tighter. "I'm not familiar with these schools, I'll take them home and discuss them with my dad. You go ahead with your meeting; I won't disturb you."

As Stella left the office, Remington massaged his temples and instructed Cedric.

"She's no longer working at Starlight Group. Remind her to go to HR to process her resignation."

Cedric got the message; once

Stella's resignation was processed, any future visits would require a formal appointment, no more dropping by unannounced

Cedric nodded and hurried after Stella.

He caught up with her by the elevator, and Stella, seemingly resigned, nodded and headed to HR without making a scene.

Cedric, however, turned and quickly entered the stairwell, taking out his earpiece and phone.

He opened his photo gallery and played a video he had secretly recorded from the corner of the office.

After hesitating, he bit the bullet and sent the video to Lizetta.

Spying on the CEO and secretly sending it to his wife could get him in trouble if discovered.

But as a fan of the CEO and his wife's relationship, and tired of the CEO's gloomy mood, he felt compelled to act.

Cedric hoped the video would bolster Lizetta's confidence in Remington, believing their current issue was a lack of trust.