Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizzy frowned and pushed the phone closer to Remington when he didn't reach out to take it.

She repeated firmly, "You can leave now. Just tell Fiona you've delivered the message."

As Remington took the phone from Lizzy's hands, his fingertips accidentally brushed against hers. Unexpectedly, Lizzy recoiled sharply and stepped back.

Remington's expression darkened, but Hogan's eyes gleamed with a sly light as he stepped in front of Lizzy. He smiled politely at Remington, but his words were laced with provocation. "Liz made herself clear, Mr. Dashiell. Liz and Mr. Dashiell are divorced now and have no relationship whatsoever. Liz doesn't want to bother you anymore. It's best not to force her, considering her previous reluctance to wake up was a result of Mr. Dashiell's insistence. You haven't forgotten the psychologist's advice, have you?"

Hogan's mention of the divorce and the psychologist was strategic. He knew Remington's presence here meant he had sensed something. He wanted to infuriate Remington, hoping he would lose control. That would only make Lizzy despise Remington more.

However, Hogan was disappointed. Remington merely glanced at him with cold disdain before turning his attention back to Lizzy.

"What did he mean by his apartment? He's been entangled with some woman, and now she's vanished without a trace. Do you know about this?!" Remington's voice was grave, revealing his concern. Despite Ray's efforts, the woman from the parking lot remained missing for a day. Either Hogan had sent her out of Zion City, or worse, she was dead. There was definitely something amiss.

But Lizzy wouldn't listen, her

patience wearing thin. "Did you take that photo in the parking lot? Did you

.n

have Yoli send it to me? My senior has already explained that's his girlfriend. They've just started dating, and he kept it a secret from his mother to avoid marriage pressure. As for where I choose to live, that's my business, not yours. Senior, let's go."

Lizzy looked at Hogan, who nodded, and they both prepared to leave.

Remington didn't move, but Ray stepped in front of Hogan, blocking the way. Lizzy knew Ray's capabilities; without his permission, she couldn't leave. Angrily, she turned back, glaring at Remington, "Are you trying to imprison me again?"Content rights belong to NôvelDrama.Org.

Remington's heart tightened at her hateful gaze, regretting his past actions that forced her against her will, leading to her current distrust and aversion. This had given Hogan the chance to manipulate a vulnerable Lizzy, even bribinga psychologist to influence her mind. Today's situation was the bitter fruit of his own actions.

Remington, masking his inner turmoil with a gentle, almost pleading gaze, focused on Lizzy. "Liz, have you already agreed to go abroad with Hogan?"

Lizzy was taken aback by his direct gaze. "How did you know I agreed to go abroad with my senior?" She hadn't told anyone about her decision except Hogan.

Remington shot Hogan a cold look before stepping closer to Lizzy. "Why would you agree to stay in Hogan's apartment instead of going home after being discharged? Liz, think about it. Was this really what you wanted? Did you feel this way before undergoing therapy with Daphne?"

Lizzy stepped back, overwhelmed by his imposing aura and resonant voice, which inexplicably drew her into his reasoning. Yet, as she tried to remember, her mind was a blur. She couldn't recall how she agreed to go abroad or to stay at Hogan's apartment at all.