Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

He laughed aloud, "Mr. Temple and Mr. Madden, you're worrying too much. My friend here is actually someone Liz knows too, so they'll get along just fine. As for joining the dance troupe, with Liz's talents, she can get in anytime. But the chance to study with an international dance master like Master Dories is rare. I've heard that Master Dories is considering retirement after this world tour. If that's the case, it's best for Liz to go abroad and study with him as soon as possible. Once she returns home, with her reputation skyrocketing, wouldn't her joining Mr. Madden's troupe bring even more to the table?"This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Hogan made his case with logic and eloquence. Clearly, he was a master of persuasion. Lizetta turned to Hogan, "This friend of yours, I know her?"

"Yep, it's Megan Daisynes. If I'm not mistaken, you two were in the same class in high school, right?"

Lizetta's eyes lit up slightly, "It's Megan? What's she doing running off to Astoria to study finance?" From Lizetta's tone, it was clear that she and Megan had been friends during their school days.

Jerome's gaze darkened slightly as he glanced at Hogan. It wasn't that he opposed Lizetta going abroad to further her dance studies, but they had only just discovered Lizetta's origins. They hadn't even had the chance to acknowledge their relationship or untangle the truth of the matter. How could they let Lizetta travel to Astoria alone at such a time?

Nelson shared the same concerns. He hadn't even had the chance to bring his beloved granddaughter home yet, and here was this reckless fool urging her to go abroad.

Nelson frowned deeply, fixing Hogan

with a stern look. Initially, he had thought Hogan to be a sharp and discerning young man, certainly more appealing than the riffraff from the Dashiell family. But now, Nelson found Hogan's presence

ΛΟ

increasingly irksome. The boy wore glasses and posed as a cultured gentleman, yet he lacked the insight and suitability to be his

granddaughter's suitor.

"Dr. White, let's focus on letting Liz rest and recover first. Adjusting to the food and environment abroad takes time," Nelson spoke up again. His granddaughter, should she decide to study abroad, would naturally have the best property bought for her near the school by him along with arranged

bodyguards, servants, and a housekeeper. He and his wife would accompany her, eliminating the need for her to share

accommodations with anyone. This Dr. White fellow seemed too eager to whisk Liz away, clearly harboring ulterior motives.

Standing beside Nelson, Andrea felt as though she were invisible. There was a time when she was the center of attention wherever she went. But now, everyone's focus was on Lizetta. Jerome wanted Lizetta for the Madden family's dance troupe. Her grandfather went even further, suggesting Lizetta should go to Tranquil Meadows for convalescence.

Unable to contain herself, Andrea interjected, "Grandpa, I think Dr. White makes a good point. If Ms. Gardenia loves dancing that much, it would be a shame to miss this opportunity. If you truly have a rapport with Ms. Gardenia, you should support her. How about we, the Madden family, sponsor Ms. Gardenia's study abroad expenses?"

As soon as Andrea finished speaking, Jerome and Nelson turned their gazes toward her, both looks carrying a hint of intimidation. Andrea's smile gradually stiffened, and the atmosphere in the room grew somewhat awkward.

Timothy had only managed to speak

at the beginning, finding no

opportunity to interject thereafter. He glanced at Hogan, then at Jerome and Nelson, clicking his tongue internally. He felt sorry for Remington. If Liz was a tough nut to crack, her family seemed even more challenging. Timothy felt it might be time for him to exit the scene and go back to advising Remington to give up sooner rather than later.