Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Cedric, next time I set down the coffee mug, maybe I should place it on his left side, huh? He almost knocked it over with his documents just now. He seemed pretty annoyed about it..." Mrs. Madison would ponder over such minor details for ages.

But now, it seemed the tables had entirely turned.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

What goes around comes around, especially in matters of the heart-they're never simple, are they?

"Boss, I reckon Mrs. Madison's willingness to return to Zion City means she's let bygones be bygones concerning this city, and perhaps, concerning you."

Remington's usually stern face softened into a rare, warm smile.

"Your insight's getting sharper."

Cedric, pleasantly surprised by the compliment, felt a ray of sunshine pierce his otherwise stormy days, all thanks to Mrs. Madison's return.

"So, she might not be averse to meeting me, right?"

Remington had been holding back, not from a lack of desire to see Lizetta, but from uncertainty about her feelings.

He feared that if he upset her just as she had returned, she might flee once more.

Cedric mulled it over, then ventured, "Given Mrs. Madison has come back, she's probably braced herself for running into you... I guess?"

Cedric wasn't entirely sure, but Remington chose to interpret his assistant's tentative statement as confirmation.

The man stood up decisively, instructing Cedric, "Find out where she's headed and why she came back this time."

Cedric nodded and hurried off to gather information.

Remington grabbed his suit jacket and headed out, only to halt suddenly and return to the lounge.

When Cedric reentered, he found several suits scattered on the bed. The boss was in front of the mirror, trying on ties.

Cedric barely suppressed a smirk.

To anyone in the know, it was clear he was preparing to meet Mrs. Madison. To others, it might seem the boss was gearing up for a royal ball. "Boss, Mrs. Madison left the airport and went straight to Ms. Yolanda's Pine Villa. It seems likely her return involves Ms. Yolanda." "What's happened to Yolanda?"

Knowing Lizetta's whereabouts, Remington could hardly wait any longer.

He quickly chose a blue floral tie, knotting it as he strode out.

His eagerness to see her was palpable.

Cedric rushed to keep up, "Ms. Yolanda's caught some bad press, becoming the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons."

Remington, usually indifferent to celebrity gossip, paused to look at Cedric.

Cedric pulled out his phone, showing a viral video to his boss.

"Last month, Ms. Yolanda and Mr. Sterling's fantasy series took off. Though Ms. Yolanda played the fourth lead, her character, combat scenes, and acting won over many fans. Behind-the-scenes footage showed her friendly and

approachable, boosting her public image.

But two days ago, a video surfaced of a 'mistress being confronted by a wealthy wife and her entourage. That wife was identified as Mrs. Charles Davis, producer of the ongoing series 'The Alley,' and the 'mistress'? Ms. Yolanda. Since she's the dead in 'The Alley,' the internet's been ablaze with accusations of her climbing the ladder through illicit means, calling for her to exit the industry..."

So, she returned for Yolanda.

While Remington hadn't been so vain as to think Lizetta's return was all about burying the hatchet with him, learning it was for Yolanda brought a deep sense of los and jealousy.

Once upon a time, he too stood above Yolanda, above everyone else...