Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

The restaurant was Lizetta's choice. It wasn't the fanciest spot in Zion City, but it boasted a serene atmosphere and quick service. Lizetta had skimped on breakfast, so by the time they arrived, she was genuinely famished. Once the food was served, she dived right in, paying no mind to the two men seated on either side of her.

Maybe it was the sour note they'd ended on in the parking lot, but Remington and Jerome both seemed to lose their appetite for confrontation. Or perhaps, on their way to the restaurant, they'd come to some unspoken agreement. At the table, they avoided sharp exchanges, instead engaging in light conversation about business matters, each maintaining a veneer of civility. They took turns offering Lizetta bites from their plates, vying subtly to cater to her dining needs.

Jerome ladled a bowl of seafood soup for Lizetta, asking, "Everything smooth at work this morning?"

Lizetta paused, her mind on a project involving the Starlight Group that Laura had entrusted to her. "Yeah, pretty good."

"Really all good?" Jerome noticed her brief hesitation and probed further.

Remington then placed a peeled shrimp on Lizetta's plate, adding, "Mr. Madden might not be aware, but Liz has plenty of work experience. She's always been adept at networking and handling her tasks. No need to worry too much."

Lizetta looked up to see Remington's approving smile. He was openly expressing his admiration and trust in her. Internally, Lizetta scoffed, continuing her meal, yet a twinge of sorrow touched her heart.

Now, Remington's words were all

sweetness and light, freely offering praise. But back when she worked closely with him, not once had he acknowledged her hard work or

achievements, not a single "we net

amazing"-recognition shenet

done" or "you're

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deeply craved, both professionally and personally. Lizetta felt a pang of sadness for her past self. And it irked her how easily her mood could still be swayed by Remington.

Jerome, observing Remington, offered a light smile. "Of course, I know she's capable. But knowing that and worrying about her are two different things." He then peeled a spicy shrimp for Lizetta, a stark contrast to the plain one Remington had chosen.

Remington's eyebrows raised slightly, "If Mr. Madden is so concerned, he should know her taste leans towards the mild, especially her aversion to spicy food."Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Before Remington could finish, Jerome skillfully peeled another spicy shrimp, placing it on Lizetta's plate. The shrimp Jerome had previously peeled had disappeared, while the one from Remington remained untouched.

Remington watched, puzzled, as Lizetta eagerly ate the second spicy shrimp Jerome had prepared, seeming to thoroughly enjoy it.

"Mr. Dashiell, people's tastes can change. Liz is from Tranquil Meadows, how could she not enjoy spicy food?" Jerome commented, offering her some spicy lotus root slices.

Lizetta took a sip of her soup, looking up at Jerome. "Don't worry about me, you should eat too." Yet, she didn't neglect Jerome's kindness, taking the spicy lotus root slices he'd offered and delicately eating them.

Remington watched Lizetta, a mix of

surprise and melancholy in his gaze, not even noticing the shift in how Lizetta addressed Jerome. He was taken aback by how much Lizetta's preferences had evolved in just four months of separation, realizing her current fondness for spicy food wasn't just for show.