Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Sophie's hand hadn't even reached the man before a strong, well-defined hand forcefully gripped her wrist.

"Ah!"

The man's grip was clearly a warning. Sophie felt a sharp pain in her wrist, as if it were about to snap. Before she could react, she was flung aside.

Stumbling, Sophie fell to the ground, her face turning pale as she looked up. The man in the car exuded an icy demeanor, his legs crossed, both dignified and aloof.

He accepted an alcohol wipe from Cedric and wiped his right hand that had just touched her, then casually tossed the wipe aside, declaring coldly, "Sophie, even if she rejects me, it doesn't mean I'll settle for second best."

With that, Remington coldly shut the car door. The black Maybach vanished from Sophie's view in an instant, the discarded wipe blowing against her.

Sophie felt just like that casually discarded wipe, not worthy of a second glance from the man, despite all her efforts. Biting her lip, she let out a scoff, stood up, and wiped away her tears.

Lilly hadn't been waiting long by the roadside when the black Maybach pulled up in front of her. The rear door opened, revealing Remington's dignified and composed figure. The man stepped out, his long legs making his exit from the car seem effortless.

He raised his hand to shield his head from the car roof, his deep gaze inviting Lilly inside. Cedric, holding the steering wheel, was initially worried that their boss might be affected by Sophie's words and take it out on his wife.

Seeing Remington being so attentive and gentlemanly now put him at ease. Lilly slightly bowed as she got into the car, "Thank you."

Once seated, she glanced down and noticed Remington bending over to gently lift the corner of her light blue skirt that had fallen outside the car, placing it inside. His movements were smooth and elegant, making such a gesture seem neither awkward nor demeaning, but rather incredibly charming.

Especially as the fabric of her skirt brushed against the expensive watch on his wrist, it was only a moment, but it seemed to linger in Lilly's mind. Lilly pinched the tip of her finger.

Damn, where did Remington learn to be such a gentleman? She could never have imagined him stooping to perform such acts before. Remington closed the door and walked around to the other side to get into the car. "Let's go."

Cedric immediately drove off smoothly. "The rehabilitation team I hired for my brother has all arrived today. Don also conducted a physical examination on him. He

said that the caregivers have t

a

great job over the past few years, and the muscle atrophy isn't too severe. With proper treatment, my brother could make a full recovery in three months."

Remington clearly knew what would please Lilly and chose a topic that would cheer her up. Lilly's mood visibly lifted, her eyes brightening with joy.

"That's fantastic!"

She turned to look at him, but her gaze fell on a spot near his shirt collar. There, on the light grey shirt, was a distinct red mark. A lipstick stain. And the shade was an orange-red.

It was the color Sophie had worn today. Lilly's smile faded slightly as she leaned closer to Remington, detecting a familiar scent of perfume on him and in the car.

So, he had seen Sophie not long ago, and there had obviously been some physical contact between them. Lilly knew she shouldn't care, but her mood still sank a bit. She then remembered the cufflink she had in her pocket.