Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1146

Since Elsa's passing and his subsequent marriage to Eartha, people rarely brought up his status as a man who had married into his wealth.

But when Lizetta's identity as the true heiress was revealed, it sent shockwaves through Tranquil Meadows.

Not just within the company, but throughout the city's elite circles, rumors ran wild.

People whispered that he had deliberately switched his own daughter at birth. Others suspected he and Eartha had conspired together to pull it off.

Because of this toxic gossip, Conrad's attempts to bond with his returned daughter were severely strained. With Eartha and Andrea constantly stirring the pot, he and Lizetta hadn't built a shred of affection. Every interaction ended in bitter resentment.

In front of the company and outsiders, Lizetta showed him neither obedience nor respect. She had publicly defied him on several occasions, slowly eroding whatever guilt he felt toward her.

Now, backed into a corner by Jerome's ruthless questioning.

Feeling the disdainful, mocking stares of everyone in the room burning into him, Conrad clenched his fists tightly.

He told himself he still loved Elsa.

But Elsa had been dead for years. He had to keep living his life. He hadn't done anything wrong, and he was sure Elsa's spirit would understand.

Now that Nelson was gone, the Madden family was reduced to a comatose girl and an old woman with dementia. Even if the company fell to the Porters, it was the logical choice.

According to his secret deal with Chairman Porter, once they seized the Madden shares, Conrad would be rewarded with an additional ten percent.

He promised himself he would financially support Bernice for the rest of her days. He would make sure his daughter's medical bills were paid in full and hire the best doctors to treat her.

Bolstered by his own rationalizations, Conrad's expression hardened. He looked up, meeting Jerome's piercing gaze.

"Elsa and Liz wouldn't want to see the company tear itself apart. Chairman Porter has the most prestige and experience. Electing him as the new chairman is what's best for the big picture. There's nothing more to discuss. Since we're all here, let's vote."

Having made his peace, he sat down with a dark, resolute face. Eartha quickly sat beside him, reaching out to give his hand a comforting squeeze.

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