Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerome nodded in agreement, and after a brief discussion, the two made their way downstairs.

Nelson, not seeing the elderly lady around, immediately inquired with the housekeeper, only to learn that Andrea had taken Mrs. Bernice Madden to the hospital to visit Lizetta.

Nelson's brows furrowed instinctively. "Jerome, quick, let's head to the hospital too."

At the hospital room.

It came as a surprise to Lizetta when Andrea suddenly showed up with Mrs. Bernice Madden.

Mrs. Madden made herself comfortable beside Lizetta's bed and started chatting warmly with her, while a hint of chill flashed in Andrea's eyes.

Stepping forward, Andrea suggested, "Grandma, you're so concerned about Liz's health. How about I have Elva accompany you to consult Liz's doctor about when she can be discharged? Would that be alright?"

Mrs. Madden, eager to have Lizetta discharged and brought home, immediately nodded in agreement.

Andrea gave a knowing look to the maid, Elva, who then stepped forward to assist Mrs. Madden out of the room.

Lizetta didn't object but instead smiled at Andrea.

"Ms. Madden, you must have something to say, right?"This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

It was clear Andrea wasn't here just for a visit. Having sent Mrs. Madden away, Lizetta knew Andrea's intentions weren't friendly.

Without beating around the bush, Andrea said with a light smile, "Ms. Gardenia, I appreciate your straightforwardness, and I'll do the same. I hope Ms. Gardenia can understand boundaries and keep a distance from my family.

You may not be aware, but I came to

vel.net

Zion City with my grandparents to seek medical treatment for my grandfather. That night, after rescuing you, my grandfather suffered from headaches and nausea for an entire day, and Grandma was so shaken she couldn't sleep well. They're old and went through all this trouble for someone who is neither family nor close friend. Do you think that's appropriate, Ms. Gardenia?"

Andrea's tone was confrontational, an undisguised accusation.

After finishing her piece, Andrea stepped forward, took a bank card out of her purse, and placed it on the blanket in front of Lizetta.

"There's $50,000 in this card. Please don't get me wrong, Ms. Gardenia, this is a token of my gratitude for the help you provided at the bar that night. You could use it to hire a caregiver..."

Lizetta interrupted her with a smile, grabbing the card, "Ms. Madden's life is only worth a mere $50,000? That's rather cheap."

Andrea was taken aback, clearly not expecting Lizetta to be so blunt.

With a sour expression, Andrea

retorted, "You look down on

$50,000? No wonder everyone in Zion City says you're a greedy ghost who, despite being taken in by the Dashiell family, bites the hand that feeds you. Now that my

grandparents aren't here, you don't even bother to pretend anymore, do you?"

Lizetta, unprovoked, coldly tossed the card back.

"Look who's talking. Aren't you revealing your true colors too? Why else would you send Grandma Bernice away?"

The card hit Andrea and fell to the ground, her eyes nearly blazing with anger.

"Lizetta, don't push your luck. People who don't know their place end up disliked."

Lizetta simply smiled lightly, "Grandpa Nelson and Grandma Bernice are elders I respect and feel inexplicably close to. I'm grateful to them.

They are your elders, and I believe

they have the right to choose who

they wish to be close to. Do they know about this discussion? Do they agree? It's strange, Andrea, why do you seem to be so wary of me?"