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."

that, and Remington should realize the whispers and rumors Lizetta had to endure because of him. If he couldn't handle

huffed, "And how would you know? Since when did you get so close to her?

of freshly squeezed

pouted, "I'm only looking out for you because I care, okay? It's not like anyone else will. Grandpa, look

Liz is a fine woman, but

more attention to me? I'm pretty good-looking too, you know." Resting

glanced at her before sighing. "I've been looking at that face of yours since we were kids. No matter how much I see it, you'll always be my little sister." Andrea felt slighted. "But

cut it out!" Jerome

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 sister in his heart from the moment she arrived. So,

welled up with tears as she clenched her fists. "It's

out, pushing her

head

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