Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 826

Lizetta understood that when Andrea mentioned "mom," she was indeed referring to Eartha. She had suspected

as much, especially since she had video chatted with her grandpa earlier that morning while stretching for her

dance practice. He was up early practicing Tai Chi and hadn't mentioned Andrea at all, clearly unaware of her

return. With Jerhospitalized last night due to illness and still under medical care, it obviously wasn't him who

had arranged for Andrea's return. And since Andrea had changed her last name, it was clear she was following

Eartha's lead. Lizetta nodded at Andrea and immediately pulled out her phone to call Eartha.

Within ten minutes, she and Eartha had arrived at the CEO's office. Eartha rose from behind her desk as soon as

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she saw them enter. Even in her fifties, she had maintained her elegance, a testament to a life of comfort and

joy. Her vibrant beauty, accentuated with meticulous makeup, hinted at a content life, though fine lines around

her eyes revealed her age, making her seem younger than she actually was.

"Liz, Andrea, | was just about to ask my secretary to book a table for us. Thought we could have lunch together.

I'm pleasantly surprised you ctofirst," Eartha said as she led Lizetta and Andrea to the sitting area,

holding each by the hand. Letting go, Andrea affectionately clung to Eartha's arm again.

"Mom, can we have sushi for lunch? | heard from a colleague that there's an authentic Japanese restaurant right

across from the office," Andrea suggested, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and mischief.

"You're too spoiled, little miss," Eartha chided gently, then turned to Lizetta. "How about you, Liz? What would

you like to eat?"

They seemed so close, just like a real mother and daughter. Indeed, Eartha had raised Andrea after her own

mother passed away. The Porters and the Maddens were old family friends. Mr. Porter had been a business

partner with Nelson Madden, sharing a brotherly bond. Eartha, being the daughter of the Porter family, grew up

closely with the Maddens, holding significant shares in the Madden Group alongside her brothers who now held

executive positions within the company.

This connection meant Eartha and Elsa Madden, Nelson's daughter, were as close as sisters. When Elsa's health

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declined post-childbirth, Eartha didn't hesitate to donate one of her kidneys to her, further deepening the bond

between the families. After Elsa passed away, Eartha, having been divorced for two years, eventually developed

a relationship with Conrad West, Elsa's widower. Their love led them to seek the blessing of Nelson and Mrs.

Bernice Madden, despite the initial discomfort it caused.

.,.