"Don''t, my grandpa''s even more of a character than you," Lizetta hastily interjected, trying to prevent any further esction. Jerome''sughter was aforting sound in the background.


    After a brief moment of contemtion, Lizetta ventured, "Umm... would you mind if we added one more to our lunch?"


    "Huh?"


    By noon, Remington''s car rolled into the parking lot of Madden Media. After texting Lizetta, he took a moment to adjust his tie in the mirror. This was, in essence, their first official date since reuniting.


    Not wanting any interruptions, Remington came alone, leaving his driver behind.


    He straightened his sapphire tie clip and nced at the gift bag on the passenger seat, his deep eyes shimmering with anticipation.


    As the elevator doors slid open and Lizetta''s figure emerged, Remington swiftly grabbed the gift bag and stepped out of the car to greet her.


    Dressed in his usual well-tailored ck suit, its muted eleganceplemented his tall,manding presence. His approach, confident and measured, made the gemstone cufflinks and tie clip catch the light in brief, sparkling shes.


    Even in the dimly lit parking lot, it was clear he was impably groomed, his handsome face unusually open with joy and eagerness.


    "Liz..."


    Before Remington could say more, Lizetta nodded slightly in his direction, then turned to wave at someone else.


    "Over here!"


    A sinking feeling hit Remington, and as he turned, his fears were confirmed. A Maybach was slowly approaching, its rear window rolling down to reveal the unwee face of Jerome.


    The car stopped, and Jerome, ever soposed, stepped out and walked over under Remington''s heavy stare.


    "Mr. Dashiell, we meet again."


    Jerome extended a hand towards Remington, his sleeve pulling back to reveal the soft gold gleam of a Patek Philippe watch.


    Remington noted that Jerome had been wearing that watch during theirst encounters.


    He reluctantly shook Jerome''s hand, remarking, "Nice watch you''ve got there, Mr. Madden."


    Jerome''s eyebrows lifted in amusement. "Thank you, Mr. Dashiell. I''m quite fond of it myself..."


    He paused, ncing at Lizetta before adding, "Liz gave it to me."


    At that, Remington''s grip tightened momentarily, the force of it making the veins on his hand stand out.


    Jerome, prepared for this, matched


    the pressure, their suit jackets


    straining slightly at the shouldel


    a silent battle of wills yed out.


    as


    Lizetta wasn''t blind to the tension between them. "Seems like you two have a lot inmon. Shall I go wait in the car?"


    The phrase ''a lot inmon'' couldn''t have been more ironic.


    Almost in unison, Remington and Jerome released their grips.


    Remington turned to Lizetta, his feelings a mix of bitterness and jealousy, all too evident in his eyes.


    Feeling the


    Sity of his gaze,


    Lizetta instinctively moved towards


    him, only for Remington to catch her


    arm and address


    Went


    "Mr. Madden, Liz and I had ns for lunch. We''ll be leaving now."


    He began leading Lizetta towards his car, but Jerome stepped in front of them, blocking their path.


    "I''m aware, and I''m grateful to Mr.


    Dashiell for his assistance with Liz. I


    thought it''d be nice for both of


    sto


    treat Mr. Dashiell to lunch as a token


    of our appreciation."Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    With that, Jerome reached out, grabbing Lizetta''s other arm, effectively halting their departure.