Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Look, kiddo," Laura began, her tone attempting to blend reassurance with authority, "you don't have to rush into anything just yet. I've noticed you haven't got much experience under your belt, so why not take some time to observe how everyone works around here? If you can lend a hand, go for it. Like this morning, you were pretty helpful with printing those documents, right? Just take it easy."

Lizetta was torn between giving Laura the benefit of the doubt, considering perhaps she hadn't had a chance to delegate tasks to her, and the creeping suspicion that Laura was singling her out. After all, she couldn't help but notice, from the snippets of office chatter, that not every newcomer was treated this way.

It didn't take long for Lizetta to connect the dots.

With a slight curve of her lips, she replied, "Mrs. Laura seems to be taking quite an interest in me. I just helped out with printing twice this morning, and you already noticed?"

Laura's smile tightened momentarily before she managed to regain her composure.

"Of course, it's my duty to look after new hires. It's great to have enthusiasm, but there's no need to rush. We've got enough hands on our current projects, and it wouldn't be fair to throw you into the mix without proper consideration. I'll keep you posted once something suitable comes up. You can go now."

But Lizetta heard the unsaid words loud and clear: Laura had no intention of involving her in any meaningful work.

Biting her lip, Lizetta nodded and turned to leave. As the office door clicked shut behind her, Laura quickly made a phone call, pacing towards the large windows with a polite smile plastered on her face. "Yes, she's been with me all morning, not doing much, just organizing her desk and helping out... Exactly, I'll make sure she's well taken care of, don't worry..."

"Mrs. Laura, are you talking about me?"

Laura, mid-conversation, spun around in shock at the sound of Lizetta's voice.

"Ah!"This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - ©.

But there stood Lizetta, who had supposedly left, now curiously eyeing Laura's phone.

"Mrs. Laura, who's so concerned about me that I, the person in question, don't even know about it?"

Without waiting for a response, Lizetta reached out and took the phone from Laura's hand. Laura, caught off guard and feeling guilty, was too slow to react. Holding the phone to her ear, Lizetta's expression shifted as she spoke, "Mrs. Madden? Is that you?"

After a brief silence, a warm, gentle voice responded.

"Liz, darling, it's Mrs. Madden. I've

been worried about you not fully et

recovering yet and asked Mrs. Laura to keep a special eye on you Please, don't think of me as meddling." en.swhovels.net

The voice belonged to Eartha Madden, the current wife of Conrad West and acting CEO of Madden Media, a company founded by Elsa Madden. After Elsa's passing, her mother, Mrs. Bernice Madden, fook the reins, growing the company significantly. However, with Mrs. Madden's illness eight years back, the leadership faltered until Eartha stepped in as acting CEO.

Although Madden Media's headquarters were in Tranquil Meadows, the economic shift towards Zion City saw the company's focus move there.

Lizetta was surprised by Eartha's undiminished concern for her well-being, despite the physical distance between them in Tranquil Meadows.