Standing before Lizetta wasn''t just anyone; it was Andrea Madden, the same Andrea who had been sent abroad months ago. She was dressed in a sleek, understated ck and white business suit, her hair tied back in a low ponytail, exuding a newfound aura of peace


    and friendliness-a notable departure from the haughty demeanor she once wore like armor.


    But when Lizetta returned to the Madden family, Nelson had taken the decision to officially remove Andrea''s name from the family records and revert her surname to Gardenia. She was then sent abroad to continue her studies. So, what brought her back so unexpectedly? "Are you unhappy to see me? I just joined the finance department today. We''re colleagues now, and I genuinely hope we can get along well..." Andrea extended her hand to Lizetta, her smile radiant and sincere.


    Lizetta eyed the offered hand but leaned back in her office chair, making no move to ept it. "You didn''t answer my question," she noted.


    Andrea''s expression faltered, a look of bewilderment crossing her face. "I, I am..."


    "Lizetta Madden, little Chloe was so kind to bring you atte, and this is how you respond?" Jessica, having noticed the interaction, approached with a couple of colleagues in tow.


    Rumors had already spread about the new finance department hire who arrived at thepany in Eartha Porter Madden''s car. On her first day, she had treated entire departments tottes from Zion City''s priciest café, each costing nearly ten dors. Clearly, a gesture only a Madden princess could afford.


    Lizetta raised an eyebrow, turning to Andrea. "Little Chloe? Andrea Porter?"


    Her gazended on Andrea''s name tag, and indeed, the name was there: "Andrea."


    Nodding at Lizetta, Andrea picked up thette again, offering it. "Yes, let''s start over. I''m Andrea. Can I call you Liz? We''re both new here, and I feel a special connection. I''d really love to be friends and get along. What do you say?"


    The colleagues around them were clueless about the history between Lizetta and Andrea, watching the exchange with interest.


    Andrea''s gesture was far from friendly. She was hoping Lizetta would lose her temper, revealing her true colors to everyone and making her own path in thepany more difficult. But Lizetta didn''t take the bait.


    She epted thette and, with a smile, also took Andrea''s arm. "Of course, if you''re so keen on being friends, let''s go outside and really get to know each other."


    Leading Andrea to a secluded patio, Lizetta finally released her grip. Crossing her arms, she demanded, "Alright, what''s going on?"


    Rubbing her wrist, Andrea bit her lip.Têxt ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Liz, why are you so hostile towards me? You''ve already got everything you wanted, and I''ve been ousted from the Madden family. You don''t need to be so wary of me. Or do you not rest until I''mpletely destroyed?"


    Lizetta couldn''t help but chuckle, arms still crossed. "I''m just wondering how you got into thepany. You''re making it sound


    like I''ve wronged you, ying the victim. Who''s targeting whom here?"


    Biting her lip again, Andrea finally admitted, "It was my mother who allowed me into thepany. If you have any objections, you''re wee to take them up with her."