Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1256

Her eye sockets and cheeks were deeply sunken, and the skin around her eyes was swollen with an unnatural, sickly puffiness.

At first glance, Lizetta almost didn't recognize her.

But the moment Eartha sat down across from them, the vile words spewing from her mouth proved she was exactly the same.

"What? Couldn't find him, so you've finally decided to compromise? Where's the letter of forgiveness I demanded? Did you bring it? Because if you didn't, I really don't have any more time to waste on you two."

Watching Eartha's shameless, smug demeanor, Lizetta's fingers twitched with the urge to slap her across the face again.

If it hadn't been for this monster, she would have never lost precious time with her mother, nor been separated from her true family for years. She wouldn't have suffered the devastating agony of losing a child, endured endless heartache with Remington, or missed out on the most fragile, vulnerable months of her baby's life.

Fueled by sheer hatred and fury, Lizetta couldn't maintain even a facade of calm.

She let out a harsh scoff. "Eartha, do you need me to fetch you a mirror so you can get a good look at yourself? With your eyes swelling up like that, your failing kidney must be on its last legs. Shouldn't you be the one panicking right now?"

Eartha instinctively raised a hand to touch her face, but the movement sharply yanked her handcuffs.

She lowered her hands back to her lap, her eyes darting between Lizetta and Remington.

"Why else would you be here today, if not to agree to my terms?"

Her gaze lingered on Lizetta's face.

She quickly noticed that Lizetta looked awful as well. While her eyes weren't bloated from organ failure, they were red, swollen, and entirely bloodshot—a clear sign she had been crying heavily before walking in.

Eartha shot Remington a knowing look. He had been so utterly unyielding before, acting as though nothing could break him.

But she had always known that for the sake of their child, no matter how much they hated it, they would eventually submit.

"Cut the nonsense," Lizetta snapped. "We need to verify his safety immediately. Did you seriously think we'd just take your word for it? How do you plan to prove he's perfectly fine and in the custody of your people?"

Eartha let out a soft chuckle. "Patience. I've suddenly decided to change my terms."

Lizetta's brow furrowed sharply. "Don't push your luck, Eartha!"

A sinister smile spread across Eartha's face. "I want you to arrange medical parole for me immediately so I can walk out of here. Then, I want you to smuggle me out of the country. The exact second my plane lands safely on foreign soil, your son will be returned to you. Until then, the deal is off."