Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerome couldn't believe his eyes when he caught Mrs. Bernice Madden, the matriarch of the family, accusing Andrea of being a troublemaker. And what was this? Lizetta, the golden grandchild, was apparently the one filling her grandmother's head with all kinds of nonsense.

"Listen, Andrea, we came to Zion City not for a vacation but to get Grandpa the best treatment from Dr. Wen. With Grandpa out, it's even more important you look after Grandma," he said, his voice dipping with a hint of annoyance.

"I was just trying to take care of Grandma, that's why I wanted her to get some fresh air with me," Andrea protested.

But Mrs. Madden was having none of it. "That's not true. She pinched me! Jerome, do you think she's trying to get rid of me by taking me out and leaving me somewhere?"

Tears welled up in Andrea's eyes, "Grandma, how could you say that? You used to adore me before you got sick. Why are you always against me now?"

She looked genuinely hurt, causing Mrs. Madden to shrink back behind Jerome like a child caught in a misdeed.

Jerome, after inspecting Mrs. Madden's arm and finding the marks to be from a tug rather than a pinch, sighed in frustration.

"Andrea, you're old enough to understand Grandma's condition. Why are you arguing with her over this?"

With her eyes brimming with tears, Andrea apologized, "Sorry, Grandma. If you don't want to go out, that's fine. I shouldn't have insisted."Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Mrs. Madden, still wary, opted to retreat to her room with Jerome's assistance.

"Andrea, why don't you call some friends and go out? Buy whatever you like," Jerome suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

"You're paying?" Andrea's eyes sparkled.

Jerome raised an eyebrow, "Yes, I'll cover it."

"Remember, you said it. Don't be surprised if I end up spending a few thousand," Andrea teased with a playful smile.

As Jerome was about to leave, Andrea yelped in pain. Her hair had gotten tangled in Jerome's sapphire cufflinks.

"Hold still, I'll get it," he said, leaning in close, his minty cologne enveloping her, causing her to blush.

Once freed, Andrea tried to convince

Jerome

join her, but he had other

s to attend to. Disappoint

she left to make the most of her day.

Meanwhile, Jerome, still holding a few strands of Andrea's hair wrapped around his finger, received an unexpected call fro

vonover.

Dashiell.

Mr.

"I'm surprised Mr. Dashiell would call me," Jerome mused, answering the phone with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Liz is in trouble. I was hoping Mrs.

Madden could visit the Dashiell estate to see her. Is it a good time?" Remington's voice was hoarse, a sign of desperation. It was unlike him to seek help, especially from a rival. Just days ago, he had

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destroyed a tracker in Jerome's car, and now, here he was, swallowing his pride.