Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Hogan listened to Remington's theory with a scoff, his expression dripping with mockery. Not a hint of panic or guilt flashed across his face. He even chuckled at Remington, the sarcasm thick in his voice. "You kid died because you failed to protect him. And now, what? Eager to pin his death on me to win Liz's forgiveness? Dream on... Ah!"

Before Hogan could finish, a vase smashed onto his hand with a loud crash, sending sharp fragments flying. Blood immediately started oozing from the back of Hogan's hand, drawing a pained grunt from him. The next second, Remington, gripping the neck of the vase, drove its jagged edge into Hogan's bloodied hand. The sharp edge sank deeper, blood spurting out more freely, turning Hogan's face ghostly pale. Hogan obviously wanted to scream for help, but Ray was already behind him, smothering any sound he might make.

"You know, Dr. White, if you don't start talking, you can kiss this hand goodbye, let alone ever hold a scalpel again," Jerome coolly reminded him.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

The pain intensified, and veins bulged visibly on Hogan's neck, but he gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse. "Speculation is just that, speculation. It can't be turned into fact. If you want to slander me, Mr. Dashiell, you better have some evidence."

Drip, drip, drip. Thick blood dripped onto the floor. Then, noise from the hallway approached.

Jerome walked a few steps towards the door, peered out, and announced, "The cops are here."

It was normal for someone to call the police given the commotion. A few officers, led by a nurse, arrived. When the door to the room swung open, a lingering scent of blood filled the air.

But by then, Hogan had been untied. Sitting on the hospital bed with a towel pressed against his wounded hand, he looked utterly calm.

The lead officer, noticing Remington and Jerome, felt a chill. "Mr. Dashiell, Mr. Madden, and Dr. Hogan White, what exactly happened here?"

Hogan stood up, speaking first, "Just a misunderstanding, it's all sorted now."

With Hogan being the only apparent victim and opting not to pursue the matter, it was clear he wanted to drop it. The lead officer, feeling like he'd landed in hot water-given the status of everyone involved-was relieved to hear Hogan's statement. Without further questions, he quickly exited with his team.

Hogan volunteered to go to the station for a statement and left with them.

Once the room was quiet, Remington instructed Ray, "Review all the medical staff who were on Liz's surgery again. Check if anyone's recently gone missing. And keep a close eye on Hogan!"

Even though Hogan staunchly

denied everything, it wasn't a total loss. If Hogan had nothing to hide he wouldn't have chosen to smooth things over when the cops showed up. Only guilty people try to avoid a

fuss.

After Ray left, Jerome finally said, "Liz is a Madden. Whoever harmed her will not be let off by the Maddens either. We're here to assist whenever necessary. Please keep us informed of any developments." Jerome nodded slightly and turned to leave when Remington said, "Mr. Madden, a moment, please."

Jerome stopped and looked back at Remington, who frowned and asked, "What's the Madden family planning to do about Andrea?"

Andrea had taken Liz's place and grown up cherished by the Maddens. Now that Liz has been recognized by the Maddens, Andrea's presence is a direct threat and injustice to Liz.

"This matter concerns the Madden

family alone; I don't see a need for

Mr. Dashiell to worry," Jerome replied with a distant smile, but Remington pressed on, "Regardless, Liz was raised by the Dashiells.

Doesn't the Dashiell family have a et

right to inquire? When the

Hawthorne family realized they had the wrong child, they didn't hesitate to abandon Liz. Kevin Hawthorne and his wife went to great lengths for their biological daughter to ensure she faced no hardships. Considering all that Liz has suffered because of Hans, Andrea is the root cause. Is the Madden family really going to welcome her back, allowing her to live alongside the very person who caused all this trouble?"