Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson in an instant. Biting her lip, she pushed her chair back and stood up.

"I need to use the restroom," she murmured, quickly making her way out.

Remington lightly touched the corner of his mouth, noticing a faint trace of blood on his fingertip. Without offering an explanation, he flashed a mysterious smile and stood up as well.

"She's not feeling well. I'll go check on her. Enjoy your meal, everyone," he said, following her out.

They left one after the other, and Andrea turned to Jerome with a knowing look.

"Bro, you saw that, right? Even though they're separated, the spark's still there. Maybe you should stop playing the villain here. You're standing up for Mrs. Dashiell, but for all you know, she might find you more annoying than helpful!"

Jerome's expression remained unchanged. He took a sip of his wine before responding.

"She won't think that."

and rumors Lizetta had to endure because of him. If he couldn't handle that much, he didn't deserve to

you know? Since when did you get so close to

Andrea a glass of freshly squeezed juice. "Just

care, okay? It's not like anyone else will. Grandpa, look at

"Jerome, Liz is a fine woman, but it seems there's still a

pay more attention to me? I'm pretty good-looking too, you know." Resting her chin on her hand, Andrea fixed her gaze

at that face of yours since we were kids. No matter how much I see it, you'll

it

her like a sister back then, he was well aware she wasn't his real sister. But how could Andrea and he be same? He was adopted by the Maddens before Andrea was born, making her his

welled up with tears as she clenched her fists. "It's not different

out, pushing

shook his head

well, yet remained silent. Jerome wasn't blood-related to the Madden, family, so if there was a chance for him and Andrea, the elders would've been happy. After all, Jerome had been raised in their care, proving himself to be responsible and of good character. But Jerome clearly had no romantic interest in Andrea, and such feelings couldn't be forced. Nelson wouldn't use the favor of raising Jerome to guilt-trip him; doing so would only harm both of