Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1417

His words detonated like a nuclear bomb.

The reporters were reeling. The plot had twisted and turned so fast they were getting whiplash.

"Mr. Dashiell, what are you saying? Did Martin West orchestrate the kidnapping himself?"

"Did he have his own daughter kidnapped to clear himself of suspicion?"

"What was his motive for doing such a thing?"

"Ms. West, did you really not know? If this is true, do you hate your father?"

...

Stella was visibly blindsided. She stood frozen in place, utterly dumbfounded.

The color drained from her face, leaving a mask of pure panic.

Remington observed her terror with a flash of mockery before stating coldly.

"As the case is currently under active investigation, I cannot disclose further details. However, I do have two documents here that I'd be happy to share with everyone."

He turned and raised a hand toward Cedric.

Cedric immediately handed over a prepared file folder. Remington took it, pulled out the first document, and held it up for the media.

As the camera lenses zoomed in, gasps erupted from the crowd.

"Plastic surgery records? Wait, is this supposed to be Ms. West? She didn't originally look like this!"

"It really is Stella West! She's had major facial reconstruction. You couldn't even tell! The surgical tech in Veridia is insane."

"Hold on, look at the date! This is from five years ago. Five years ago, Stella hadn't been found yet! She was supposed to be suffering in some remote mountain village. How the hell did she fly out to Veridia for plastic surgery? What is going on?"

Lizetta hadn't known any of this beforehand. Right now, she was just as shell-shocked as the crowd.

She stared at Remington in sheer disbelief. Feeling her gaze, the man looked down and gave her a subtle nod.

Lizetta's mouth fell open. If this Stella was a fake... then where was the real one?

Did that mean she was still missing? Would Remington spend the rest of his life looking for her?

And what kind of person would the real one turn out to be?

Her face paled at the thought, but Remington seemed to know exactly what was running through her mind.

He pulled her tight against his chest, ignoring the blinding camera flashes and the screaming crowd. He pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head and murmured softly against her ear.

"There is no Stella West anymore."