Independence

Ingrid was stunned. “You… you’re not….

“What? Disappointed?” Hansel sneered.

As soon as Hansel felt something was off with his body, he rushed into the bathroom to induce vomiting. The heat he felt was merely a lingering effect of the drug.

“If you weren’t affected, then why did you pretend earlier?”

Hansel smirked. “Obviously, I wanted to see what it looks like when someone goes from being hopeful to despair. It’s fascinating, don’t you think?”

Ingrid’s body started to tremble.

“You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. You even had the guts to drug me. But having guts without the brains to match? That’s just foolish.

“You idiot. Martha!”

“Mr. Johnson, what are your orders?” Martha responded promptly, pushing the door open.

Ingrid fumbled to put on her nightgown but couldn’t manage it properly, looking utterly disheveled. “Pack her things. In 30 minutes, I want her and everything she owns out of this house! Change all the access codes. From now on, I don’t want to see anything related to her in this house.”

“Understood, Mr. Johnson.”

Ingrid was then dragged out. She walked woodenly, letting Martha pull her along.

Suddenly, as if waking from a dream, she jerked away. ‘Don’t touch me!”

Martha paused.

“I’m carrying the Johnson family’s heir! How dare a mere maid lay hands on me? You should weigh the worth of your miserable life. If you hurt me or my child, how many lives do you have to compensate? Once I give birth to a son and marry Hansel, the first person I’ll deal with is you!”

Martha laughed, looking at her like she was looking at a fool. “Ms. York, have you watched too many soap operas? Do you really think that just because you’re pregnant, you’ll secure a spot in the family and marry into wealth?

“I’ve worked for the Johnson family for decades. Neither Mr. and Mrs. Johnson nor Mr. Hansel are the type to be easily manipulated.

“The heir of a wealthy family can be born by any woman, but if you think that makes you the lady of the house, you’re dreaming too big.”

Even Evelyn’s attitude toward Ingrid was clear–she could have the child, but once the baby was born, it wouldn’t concern her anymore.

She would be told to stay out of their lives. The household staff all understood this perfectly, but Ingrid continued to live in her fantasy.

Martha couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for her. Ingrid was a decent young woman, a university student who could find a job anywhere if she graduated.

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She had heard every word Hansel said earlier from outside the door. How thick–skinned could someone be to endure such humiliation?

Martha shook her head. “Come on, Ms. York, let’s go pack your things. See what you want to take with you.

Martha was practically giving her a way out. The closet was full of luxury bags, jewelry, and clothes. Ingrid could pack and take them away.

If they were sold off, they could still fetch a good sum, so at least it wouldn’t be a total loss.

But Ingrid completely missed the hint. She thought Martha, a mere servant, had dared to drive her away.

“Leave? Why should I leave? This is my home! I’d rather die here than go anywhere else!”

“Ms. York, is this really necessary? Mr. Johnson has already made it clear–you have to leave today, whether you want to or not.”

“I’m not leaving! What can you do about it?”

Martha sighed.

Ingrid grabbed onto the railing on the second floor. “Go ahead, drag me! Let’s see you try to throw me out!”

Hansel stepped out of the master bedroom, scoffing. Ten minutes have passed. If you’re willing to disgrace yourself, then I don’t need to show you any courtesy. Martha, call security to handle this.”