Remington couldn''t bring himself to believe he hadn''t factored into her decision at
all.
He wanted to think that she''de back to Zion City, even if just a little, because he was here. Even the smallest reason would haveforted him.
But Lizetta, knowing exactly what he was hoping to hear, just shook her head.
“I came back because I still have unfinished business in Zion City! I can''t let go of what happened to Daisyy. I need to make sure Mr. and Mrs. West pay for what they did."
Her voice was cool, almost steely, and Remington understood-this was the real reason she''d returned.
With a soft sigh, he wrapped his arms around her a little tighter. "I''m Daisyy''s father. If you came back for her, it''s for me too."
Lizetta gave a short, amused huff. "You really know how tofort yourself, don''t you?"
Remington grinned and leaned in, nipping gently at her neck. "Not my fault my girl always says the opposite of what she feels."
She pushed him away, but the corners of her lips curled up in spite of herself.
"I also came back because Madden Media was founded by my mother. It means something different to me. I never got to meet her, but having herpany gives me a sense of connection, a kind offort." Her tone softened, then grew thoughtful. “Besides, I''m not in a rush to join the main office at the Madden Group. I don''t want Jerome to get the wrong idea."
Remington had been nodding along, but at thatst name, his face darkened a little.
"So you care what he thinks, huh?"
Lizetta caught the note of jealousy in his voice immediately. It seemed that whenever Jerome came up, Remington''s guard went up too.
"Of course I care,” she said, matter-of-factly. "If it weren''t for Jerome looking after my grandparents all these years, helping out my grandfather, I can''t imagine how hard it would have been for them."
Andrea was always self-indulgent and distant, more attached to Conrad West and Eartha than her own family. Her concern for their grandparents was always just for show. In contrast, Lizetta not only trusted Jerome, she was genuinely grateful to him.
She didn''t hesitate or hide the special ce Jerome held in her heart.
Remington''s expression soured, a knot of frustration settling in his chest, heavy and suffocating. But there was nothing he could do about it.
"Oh, I see. Trying to get a rise out of me, are you?" He couldn''t help butugh, though it was tinged with exasperation. In one swift motion, He pulled Lizetta down onto the bed and pinned her beneath him.
She reached up, but he caught her wrists, trapping her hands above her head.
Seeing he was truly annoyed, Lizetta quickly lifted her head and kissed him, catching him off guard.
Remington froze, whatever irritation had clouded his face instantly melting away.
He looked down at her, feigning
that''s enough to get you out of trouble? Do I really seem that easy, to win over
skepticism. "A kiss, and you think et
Lizetta sighed, exasperated. "What else do you want?"
"Say you care about me more!" Remington''s voice was stillced with a hint of wounded pride.
Lizetta rolled her eyes, pinning him with a clear, direct gaze. "You can''tpare those feelings. What feel for Jerome is like what feel for my brother-it''s family."
That answer clearly pleased Remington. His lips twitched as if he wanted to smile,
but he forced himself to keep a straight face.
"How exactly is it different? Jerome and Thaddeus are both family, but I''m the one who''s special—your boyfriend, right?”
The word “boyfriend” sounded almost embarrassing, especiallying from him, especially here, with his body pressed against hers.
Lizetta''s cheeks flushed. She looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "God, you''re so old-fashioned!"
Remington saw her blush and finally let his smile break through, ready to tease her again when his phone suddenly rang.
He seemed to know immediately who it was. With a quick pinch to Lizetta''s nose, he said, "You''re off the hook for now."
He rolled off her, pulled out his phone, and answered it on speaker.