Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerome was just about to help Mrs. Bernice Madden with her other arm to get into the elevator when Remington suddenly stepped to the side, avoiding Andrea and said coldly, "Sorry, I'm allergic to heavy perfumes. Let Mr. Madden support me instead."

As he said this, he quickly moved next to Jerome and, without waiting for Jerome's approval, grabbed his arm and leaned on him unabashedly. Jerome was caught off guard, and at the same time, the elevator doors closed, leaving Lizetta behind.

Jerome glanced at Remington, "Mr. Dashiell, I'm not interested in guys who can't stand on their own two feet."

Remington replied coldly, "Perfect, my obsession with cleanliness just kicked in."

He let go of Jerome's arm, straightened up, and walked ahead.

When they reached the doctor's office, the doctor examined Remington's arm carefully. "Why didn't you come in sooner? The wound has fused with your sleeve. It's going to be painful and tricky to treat. Let's do a local anesthetic..."

Before the doctor could finish, Nelson interjected, "What for? This is nothing compared to childbirth. He's a grown man, isn't he?"

The doctor paused, and Remington looked up at Nelson. Before anyone else could speak, Andrea jumped in, "Grandpa, burns are the worst. If it weren't for Mr. Dashiell, grandma would have..." Jerome cut Andrea off, his voice deep, "Andrea, you dare mention grandma? You were the one who took her out. How could you let this happen? Come with me."

Jerome, hands in his pockets, walked out. Andrea, reprimanded, blushed but then quickly followed Jerome, her eyes filled with an unexpected joy. Could Jerome be jealous? Because she spoke up for Remington and showed him concern, was he upset? That must be it. With that thought, Andrea pressed her lips together and hurried after Jerome.

Nelson glanced at Andrea's retreating back, his gaze darkening before turning back to Remington. But Remington was still watching him, with a thoughtful look.

Mr. Madden snapped, "What are you staring at? Going without anesthesia is for your own good!"

Remington raised an eyebrow, smiled, and nodded, "Thanks, Mr. Madden, for considering my well-being."

He then told the doctor, "Let's just proceed without it, it's okay."

Nelson snorted, feeling he had hit a brick wall. He thought, who's being considerate? The guy sure knows how to win over his naive granddaughter.

Outside in the hallway, Jerome stopped and turned to face Andrea who had followed him out.

"Brother, did you want to talk to me privately?"

Andrea's cheeks were flushed, her eyes hopeful, Jerome's gaze was deep, and he observed Andrea intently. On the way to the hospital the DNA results between Andrea and Daisylin confirmed their mother-daughter relationship

N

Lizetta was switched at birth, and Andrea benefited from it. So, was Andrea aware of this baby swapping scheme?

"Brother, why are you looking at me like that..."

Andrea's nerves were on edge under Jerome's gaze, her cheeks and neck reddening with every passingNôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

second, her heart racing with the

anticipation of his reaction

But Jerome frowned and said sternly, "Speak clearly when you address someone."

Andrea had called Jerome "brother"

before, and each time she did,

Jerome would ignore her for days. Feeling like she had been doused with cold water, Andrea bit her lip and reluctantly responded.