SWNOVELS Chapter 825
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 black 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 accept 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 a latte, 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 the company in Eartha Porter Madden's car. On her first day, she had treated entire departments to lattes from Zion City's priciest café, each costing nearly ten dollars. Clearly, a gesture only a Madden princess could afford.
Lizetta raised an eyebrow, turning to Andrea. "Little Chloe? Andrea Porter?"
Her gaze landed on Andrea's name tag, and indeed, the name was there: "Andrea."
Nodding at Lizetta, Andrea picked up the latte 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 become 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 the company more difficult. But Lizetta didn't take the bait.
She accepted the latte 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.
"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'm completely destroyed?"
Lizetta couldn't help but chuckle, arms still crossed. "I'm just wondering how you got into the company. You're making it sound
like I've wronged you, playing the victim. Who's targeting whom here?"
Biting her lip again, Andrea finally admitted, "It was my mother who allowed me into the company. If you have any objections, you're welcome to take them up with her."