Chapter 21
I knew in my heart that these maids were all arranged by Ella.
She simply wanted to replace everyone in the house with her own people.
And this incident was just a trap Ella set up to get rid of the people around me.
But coincidentally, I had been on guard for a while, and this opportunity was enough for me to kick out Ella's people.
I ignored the maid's pleas for mercy and instead fixed my eyes on Ella, speaking firmly. "You misunderstood Linda today, so you need to apologize to her. She's taken care of me for so many years - don't break her heart."
Ella looked utterly incredulous and blurted out, "What? You want me to apologize to a servant? No way."
My gaze turned cold as I threatened, "If you still want to live at the Smith Villa, apologize. Otherwise, you can get lost along with those two maids."
My attitude was firm. Ella knew she couldn't mess with me, but she still didn't want to back down and even brought up my mom. "Aunt Lucy is the one who told me to stay here temporarily. How can you kick me out?"
I didn't care and repeated myself, "I don't care who told you to stay here. Since you're living in my house, you should listen to me. Apologize. I don't want to repeat myself."
Forced by me, Ella reluctantly mumbled an apology despite her unwillingness. "Sorry, Linda. I misunderstood you."
Linda was flattered and quickly waved her hands to say it was fine.
After handling this matter, I went back to my room to rest.
After a whole day of work, I was so tired I just wanted to crash.
But I had just finished washing up and hadn't even closed my eyes when someone knocked on my door. "Nancy, are you asleep?"
Hearing Ella's voice, I felt annoyed for no reason and covered my head with the blanket, ignoring her.
But Ella outside seemed determined not to give up, knocking harder and harder.
Unable to stand the noise, I got up resentfully and opened the door.
"What?" I had no patience in my tone as I looked at her.
Ella acted as if she didn't notice and asked on her own, "Nancy, why are you with Michael?"
At this question, I just felt baffled.
Who I was with had always been my own business - I didn't need to explain it to Ella. Besides, that was between Michael and me, and it had nothing to do with her.
Seeing my silence, Ella pretended to advise me, "Nancy, wealthy families like the Johnson family are complicated everywhere. I think you should break up with him, or you'll be the one suffering later."
Seeing her acting so self-righteous, I had even less patience and directly told her to leave. "It's none of your business. If there's nothing else, leave. I need to rest."
With that, I didn't give Ella a chance to continue and closed and locked the door.
The next day, I got up and went downstairs as usual, groggily calling for Linda.
"Linda, make me some pasta for breakfast today. I want a fried egg with it."
After giving my order, I noticed someone sitting on the sofa.
When I saw it was Michael, I instantly became more alert and checked my appearance on my phone.
Seeing my action, Michael chuckled softly and coaxed me gently, "You're beautiful, no need to check."
At his words, I blushed for no reason and said coquettishly, "Stop teasing me."
Then I instructed the servants again, "From now on, when Michael comes to see me, come upstairs and get me."
But Michael refused directly. "No need. I'm happy to wait for you. Waiting is a happy thing."
Seeing this, I refused him too. "But I don't want you to wait. I want more time with you."
At my words, Michael's eyes showed some emotion - clearly these words meant a lot to him.
Just then, Ella came downstairs, breaking the atmosphere between us.
As soon as she saw Michael, Ella looked unhappy and showed her dislike for him. "Nancy, why did you let him in again? He's a playboy surrounded by scandals - how could he be good enough for you?"
Ella started the fight first, and Michael wasn't about to back down, activating his sharp tongue. "Even a fool like you got in here, why can't I? I'm Nancy's legitimate fiancé. You should even show me respect."
These words made Ella furious, and she stomped her feet, arguing with Michael. "What do you mean? How dare you call me a fool! Why should I respect you? You two aren't even married yet - stop putting yourself on a pedestal!"
Michael looked indifferent and even gave her a disdainful glance before continuing, "You're not only stupid but also bad-tempered. Someone like you will never amount to anything in this lifetime. Whatever, I can't be bothered talking to you - it affects my IQ."
Ella bit her lip, getting even more upset, looking like she was about to cry.
Seeing she couldn't win against Michael, Ella complained to me pitifully. "Nancy, how can you marry someone like this? Look at what he's saying about me! You have to stand up for me."
Watching Ella get shut down, I felt delighted inside. "He's right - you really are stupid."
I glanced at Ella with difficulty, joining Michael in shutting her down.
Seeing us working together, Ella grabbed her bag and left in anger.
Having given Ella a hard time early in the morning, I was in an exceptionally good mood and even ate more breakfast than usual.
After breakfast, Michael drove me to work.
The car stopped at the entrance of the Smith Group. I was about to open the door when I found it was locked.
I looked at Michael in confusion. "What are you doing?"
Michael replied matter-of-factly, "Nancy, I was your personal driver today. Don't I deserve a reward?"
Hearing this, I understood and quickly planted a kiss on his cheek.
"There, you got your reward. Now open the door - I'm going to be late." I tried to open the door again.
But Michael still didn't unlock it, saying in a husky voice, "Not enough."
With that, before I could react, he pulled me over, pressed me against the seat, and kissed me forcefully.
Michael's kiss was heavy and intense, as if he wanted to devour me whole.
I didn't push him away until I could barely breathe, ending the kiss.
And my lipstick was smudged by him.
I playfully hit him and fixed my makeup in the mirror. "It's all your fault - my lipstick is ruined."
Michael took this opportunity to stroke my hair.
After fixing my makeup, I swatted his hand away and got out of the car.
Many employees saw me getting out of Michael's car.
But I didn't care.
Today happened to be the end of the month, and I needed to report some project updates to my mom.
Without time to think much about it, I brought the documents I had prepared earlier for the report.
My mom sat in her office chair, and as she listened to my report, her eyes showed surprise and relief.