Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1000

Lizetta’s questions came rapid-fire, leaving Stella at a loss for words. Nerves twisted her hands together as she cast an imploring, wounded look at Remington—hoping for a lifeline.

But Remington’s gaze never left Lizetta. He didn’t spare Stella so much as a glance.

All he could hear was the echo of Lizetta’s voice from moments ago—her calling him “my boyfriend.” She had admitted it, called him her boyfriend right in front of everyone.

“Remington, I—”

Stella tried again to defend herself, but Remington cut her off with a cold, decisive voice.

“That’s enough. Stella, a child was abused under your watch—whether you knew about it or not, you failed your responsibility as a guardian. As for whether you condoned it or took part, you can explain that to the police at the station.”

He shot a sharp look at the two officers, his irritation clear in the tight line of his jaw.

The police stepped forward immediately, one on each side, taking hold of Stella’s arms.

“Ms. West, please cooperate.”

“I didn’t do it, I swear I didn’t!” Stella protested desperately, struggling against their grip.

Outside the hospital room, a crowd had gathered. Phones were raised, recording every humiliating second as Stella was led away.

She tried to shield her face, voice breaking. “Stop filming me! You can’t do this! I never hurt that child—I’m being set up!”

Her protests made no difference. The officers dragged her down the corridor, cameras following her every step.

Anna, in contrast, was subdued. She got to her feet, head bowed, and quietly trailed after them.

But this was the pediatric ward, filled with parents and relatives of sick children. News of a nanny abusing a child spread like wildfire, and the crowd’s outrage flared.

“Our Ron is so brave, so adorable, isn’t he?” Lizetta said, giving him a reassuring pat.

She automatically glanced at Remington, only to realize he was still watching her—intently, almost piercingly. He hadn’t spoken for several minutes, and his silence felt oddly heavy.

The air seemed to thicken between them. Lizetta blinked, flustered by his gaze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

She couldn’t help but squirm under his attention.

Remington finally smiled, his voice low and warm. “Liz, do you remember what you just said?”

She frowned, puzzled, replaying the last few minutes in her mind but coming up empty. “No… What did I say?”

He leaned in, the curve of his lips growing more pronounced. “Why don’t you think a little harder?”