Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Mmm!"

Lizetta was terrified, struggling fiercely, but the person binding her from behind hushed her.

"Don't freak out, Ms. Gardenia! My boss is Jerome, I mean no harm."

It was a woman's voice.

Lizetta abruptly stopped all movement, and gradually relaxed.

She tapped on the woman's hand that was covering her mouth, indicating that she wouldn't scream.

The woman behind her indeed released her grip. Lizetta turned around, her heart still racing.

"You're really with Jerome? But I don't get it."

Lizetta eyed the woman intently. She seemed to be in her thirties with short, neat hair.

"Ms. Gardenia, you can call me Dora. Mr. Jerome hired me to look out for you. I've been here since you boarded the plane." "But why would he?" Lizetta's guard was still up.

She was even more puzzled because she didn't think she was that close to Jerome.

She couldn't help but recall what Remington had told her before. Could Jerome actually harbor other intentions toward her?

But how could that be?

"I'm not sure about that, I'm just here to ensure Ms. Gardenia's safety. Mr. Madden will get in touch with you soon. You might ask him directly. This place isn't safe, let's leave first." Dora explained. Lizetta nodded, not doubting her words.

After all, Dora seemed capable, and Lizetta was alone. If Dora really wanted to harm her, she could have done it earlier without needing to deceive her.

They quickly drove off, and Lizetta, pulling her hat down, glanced back towards the airport entrance.

She saw Ryan and a tall guy with about four or five rough-looking men still searching. Ryan was cursing, visibly agitated.

Lizetta turned her head, feeling cold all over.

She wasn't naive enough to think Stella had brought all those people just to protect her.

Clearly, bringing so many people was to prevent her from escaping, and what they planned to do afterward was anyone's guess.

Lizetta had previously thought that the Wests would consider Remington and not dare harm her.

And she had already given up her position to Stella by leaving, and thought it was enough. But it seemed she was too naive. Thankfully, she hadn't completely trusted the Wests and had made her escape at the first opportunity.

An hour

Soldater, Lizetta was settled in a ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

safe cottage, sipping on a

warm coffee Dora

made for her, waiting for

call.

Lizetta expressed her gratitude sincerely, then directly voiced her confusion.

"Mr. Madden, may I ask why you're helping me like this?"

She felt she wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully without clearing this up.

Jerome's voice was smooth and amused, "What do you think? You reckon I'm trying to hide a sweetheart in a lavish abode?"

Lizetta's breath hitched, and then she heard laughter from the other end.

"Really? I didn't realize you were quite narcissistic."

Although his words made Lizetta blush and feel embarrassed, they also relieved her, and her tone lightened a bit.

"Mr. Madden, anyone would be frightened to believe such a joke."

"Lizetta, you remind me a bit of an elder I know."

"An elder? Must be a pretty important one to Mr. Madden, huh?"

Lizetta's lips curved up, realizing she might have overthought things.

If a man had any intentions towards a woman, he might say she reminds

him of a younger sister or reminds

love, but definitely not an elder.

"Yes, someone who changed my fate. But, thought after spending time together, we could consider ourselves friends. Hamilton has also repeatedly asked me to look out for yout, and I agreed."