Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 999

As Anna spoke, she stepped forward, intent on prying Ron from Lizetta’s arms. But Ron, sharp as a tack, swatted her hands away with a flurry of little fists, then promptly buried his face in the crook of Lizetta’s neck, turning his head away with all his might.

His small arms clung tightly around Lizetta’s neck, refusing to let go.

The boy’s reaction landed like a slap across Anna’s face. Her expression stiffened, a flash of anger darting through her eyes.

Almost by instinct, she reached out again, ready to yank Ron away by force—but Remington seized her wrist in a punishing grip.

“Trying to lay a hand on him right in front of me? Who do you think you are?”

He tightened his hold, and Anna yelped in pain, dropping to her knees as if her arm might snap.

“Please, Mr. Dashiell—spare me, I—”

“Have you ever abused this child?” Remington’s voice was low and cold, each word cutting like ice. Anna met his glare, sharp as a blade, and realized that confessing now might be her only chance to get out alive.

If she tried to lie and got caught, things would only get worse.

After all, the truth always had a way of coming out.

Anna’s voice cracked as she sobbed, begging for mercy.

“Mr. Dashiell, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have taken out my frustrations on Ron. I admit it, I did—”

“Remington, you have to believe me. I had no idea this was happening. You know my health’s never been good—I can’t always look after Ron myself. I trusted the people around me too much. Anna always seemed honest and reliable. I never suspected she could do such a thing. It’s horrible. But I truly didn’t know anything about this. How could I possibly have hurt Ron? He’s my own nephew.”

She reached out, sobbing, to grab Remington’s sleeve.

“Remington, you know what I’ve suffered. I can’t have children of my own anymore, and I’ve always treated Ron like my own son. If anything happened to him, it would break my heart, I—”

But before Stella’s hand could touch him, Lizetta yanked Remington away, stepping aside with him.

With a cold laugh, Lizetta cut through Stella’s theatrics.

“You care about Ron? Stella, if you really cared about him, shouldn’t your first thought be to check on his condition? Instead, all you’ve done is put on a show for the police—and my boyfriend, no less. Do you really take us all for fools, letting you pull the wool over our eyes?”