Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1010

Next, she changed Jerome's contact name from "Brother" to "Jerome." Remington was finally somewhat satisfied, his lips curving into a smile as he ruffled her hair. He let go of her and said, "Go return your call." As he spoke, he pulled out a bathrobe from somewhere and draped it over Liz's shoulders. She had finally appeased her difficult boyfriend. Slipping into the bathrobe, Liz took her phone out to the balcony. She first sent a WhatsApp message to Jerome to let him know she was safe and wouldn't be returning that night, then she called Thaddeus Gardenia. "Thaddeus, why are you calling me so late? Are you still awake?" Liz asked with concern as Thaddeus answered quickly. "I'm fine, Liz, but where are you? Mr. Madden just called looking for you. He said he couldn't reach you, so I was a bit worried." "I'm fine, Thaddeus. It's so late, of course I'm home at Oakridge Heights." Thaddeus still sounded slightly uneasy. "Then turn on your video so I can see you." He didn't know why, but ever since waking up, even though Liz claimed everything was fine and that her relationship with Remington was stronger than ever—much better than before—and even though she had brought Remington to visit him twice, putting on a display of deep affection, Thaddeus still felt a lingering sense of unease. Liz let out a soft breath, thankful she actually was at Oakridge Heights. Without a trace of guilt, she initiated a video call. When the call connected, Thaddeus saw Liz wrapped in a bathrobe, standing on the balcony of Oakridge Heights, and finally smiled in relief. Just as he was about to say something, Remington's tall, blurry figure appeared in the background behind Liz. The man walked closer. "Liz, the bathwater is ready. Don't chat too long." His deep voice, laced with lingering tenderness, seemed to bleed into the night. Thaddeus immediately said, "I guess I'm interrupting you two. I'll hang up now." "You're not interrupting, Thaddeus. I'll find time to visit you tomorrow." Liz nodded, though the tips of her ears turned slightly red. It was obvious that Remington's unexpected appearance and his suggestive words had caused Thaddeus to misunderstand. Liz felt a bit awkward, but as Remington's figure disappeared from the screen, Thaddeus hesitated, seemingly wanting to say more. "Liz, about..." "Hmm? What is it, Thaddeus?" Liz asked, confused. After a brief pause, Thaddeus advised, "You and Mr. Dashiell have a great relationship now, and he's taking better and better care of you. You... should still maintain some distance with other male friends. Don't let Mr. Dashiell misunderstand, okay?" Liz froze. After a moment, she realized what he meant. The "other male friend" Thaddeus was referring to was Jerome. Because Jerome couldn't reach her earlier, he had called Thaddeus to look for her. It was only natural for Thaddeus to misunderstand, given how late it was. After all, Thaddeus still didn't know the true nature of Liz and Jerome's relationship. "I understand, Thaddeus." Liz felt as if her brother was lecturing her like a cheating woman trying to juggle two men. She was completely exasperated and intensely embarrassed. "Thaddeus, Jerome and I are just regular friends." "Regular friends? Then why is he searching everywhere for you in the middle of the night? Why is he calling around so anxiously just because he can't reach you? He called me this time, and I won't spread it around, but if he called someone else and word got to Mr. Dashiell, what would he think?"