Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

[Let’s meet up.]

At the time, Remington was at The Starlight Group’s tech division, listening to the chip team rattle on about their latest gizmo. They’d been pouring cash into this thing for over two years without seeing a dime in return.

A few board members were at each other’s throats over whether to keep throwing money at the project, while the techies were making their case with gusto.

Remington had this icy vibe going on, but when his phone buzzed, a quick glance had him visibly mellowing out.

He picked up his phone and double checked the message, then a smirk flickered across his lips.

That smirk was totally out of place, leading the the noisy boardroom to go dead silent; the mood got all sorts of weird.

Remington shot back a speedy reply.

[Sure]

He stood up and said, ‘Innovation ain’t something you achieve overnight. And you’re all bickering like it’s doomsday? What, if we don’t see results by next year, you’re gonna flip the table? So here’s the deal: I’ll buy your shares right now for 20% above market value. Anyone who’s lost faith in seeing a return, you can cash out with Cedric right here and now Mr. Kris, President Warner, shall we start with you?”

The two named were the most vocally opposed, they exchanged looks and managed an

awkward chuckle.

“Mr. Dashiell, we’re not in a rush.”

“Yeah, I mean, if Mr. Dashiell is this confident and bold, what are we scared of? Let’s keep the investments rolling!”

Remington nodded, “Alright then, meeting adjourned.”

As he walked out, Mr. Kris and President Warner cornered Cedric, fishing for info.

“Remington’s usually a tough nut to crack. Why’s he all sunshine and rainbows today?”

“Has The Starlight Group got some new trick up its sleeve? Spill the beans, Cedric.”

Cedric was stumped.

How could he tell them that, despite looking all business, Mr. Dashiell was deep down a hopeless romantic, and his sudden good mood was all thanks to Mrs. Dashiell finally giving him the time of day after so long?

Talk about a buzzkill.

Lizetta had to swing by the hospital today.

She had her flight booked for three days out, but before she left, she had to ensure Thaddeus Gardenia was safely on his way abroad.

Given Thaddeus’s condition, he needed medical staff with him every step of the way to Astoria, and Lizetta still had to hash that out with Hogan.

She was planning to head straight to the hospital after meeting with Remington.

So, the spot she picked to meet Remington was a coffee shop near the hospital.

But Lizetta didn’t expect to run into Hogan before Remington even showed up.

“Hogan, what brings you here?”

Hogan walked into the coffee shop solo, catching Lizetta by surprise.

He, also looking startled, managed a smile, “A friend wanted some medical advice, so we agreed to meet here. What about you?”

Since they’d bumped into each other and Remington wasn’t there yet, Lizetta offered with a smile

“How about I treat you to a coffee first? We can chat about my brother’s situation.”

Hogan grinned, “I’d love to.”

He sat opposite Lizetta, and just as the waiter brought their coffee, a figure charged over, grabbed a cup from the table, and hurled it at Lizetta.

“Shameless, home–wrecker!”

“Look out!”

Hogan, being quick on his feet, stood up and shielded Lizetta.

Most of the coffee ended up on Hogan, with only a few drops splattering on Lizetta’s

hand.

“You okay?”

I

Hogan turned around and checked Lizetta’s hand. Belongs to © n0velDrama.Org.

That’s when Lizetta came to her senses and frowned at the scene before her.

Shirley, who was yanked away by Hogan, had crashed into a nearby table and was now glaring at them, her eyes red with fury..

Seeing Hogan holding Lizetta’s hand, Shirley was so pissed off that her nostrils were flared with anger.

10.03

Hogan, is it because of you that Lizetta’s been making divorce noises with Remi?”

When Shirley was in a car accident a year back, Hogan had happened to be passing by and rescued her from the vehicle, even performing first aid.