If he had known she'd pull something like that, he would have just let her crash into him.

Reading the dark expression on his face, Lizetta knew exactly what he was thinking. She frantically yanked the blanket up to cover her legs and glared at him.

"You better be glad you dodged. If you let that woman touch you and taint you while I'm right here in the room, I'd actually roll over in my grave and wake up just to yell

at you!"

Remington looked up, gently tapping her forehead in fond exasperation.

"Stop talking nonsense."

He hated hearing her joke about dying.

Lizetta laughed, catching his hand in hers.

"Alright, alright, stop frowning. If you don't press on it, I don't even feel it. Plus, you ripped her off me instantly. I heard her crash into that table—she hit it hard. You already got my revenge."

Whatever damage Stella took from hitting that table was definitely worse than this little bruise.

But to Remington, it wasn't nearly enough. His eyes darkened as he placed Ron onto the mattress.

"I'm going to get some ointment."

He turned on his heel and walked out before she could argue. Lizetta opened her mouth to tell him not to bother-the bruise would probably fade by tomorrow anyway -but she stopped herself.

Ever since she woke up, Remington had treated her like spun glass. If letting him apply some cream eased his guilt and made him feel better, she would let him.

She turned her attention back to Ron, tickling him playfully.

"Did you miss me? Can you say my name? Say 'Liz.' Liz~"

Lizetta exaggerated the shape of her mouth, trying to get him to mimic her.

Ron was far too young to actually copy her. He just stared at her with massive, unblinking eyes before lunging forward and planting a massive, drooly kiss all over her face.

Out in the hallway, Remington didn't head to the nurse's station right

away. Instead, he pulled out

his

phone and made a quick callto Ray with some very specific instructions

Meanwhile, Stella was actually in high spirits after leaving the hospital.

Sure, Remington hadn't shown her a shred of affection, and the underlying disgust in his eyes had stung.

But Lizetta was practically dead.

With no other women in Remington's orbit, his current hostility was purely because Lizetta had poisoned his mind against her with all her manipulative tricks.

Men were forgetful creatures, always drawn to something new.

Once Lizetta was dead, it would only take a year or two for Remington to forget her entirely, and all his suspicions would fade with her.

When that time came, he would remember the bond they shared in their youth. He would remember his guilt toward her and she would

finally have the change to break down his walls and make him hers.

Brimming with absolute confidence, Stella bypassed home entirely and ordered her driver to take her to the mall.

She hadn't been shopping in ages. It was time to buy some elegant, understated clothes to look the part of a grieving, supportive friend.

After browsing for a while, she passed a lingerie boutique on her way out. She stepped inside and picked out two high-end sets and some silk sleepwear.

She dismissed her driver, opting to carry the shopping bags herself as she walked toward the escalators. Her phone began to ring.

She stepped onto the descending escalator, looking down to rummage through her purse for her phone.

Right at that moment, someone aggressively shoved past her from behind.

"Ah!"

Stella desperately reached out for the handrail, but it was too late. Her foot slipped off the edge and she lost her balance entirely, tumbling violently down the metal steps.