I watched George and Marianne fussing over Vanessa and suddenly found it absurdly laughable.
Marianne was even personally serving Vanessa chicken soup, exactly like when I first came to the Hampton house three years ago.]
“Dad, Mom,” I said calmly, “do you also think I should leave with nothing?”
George cleared his throat and avoided my gaze: “You two should handle your own business.”
Marianne didn’t even look up, focused on massaging Vanessa’s shoulders: “Oh Vanessa, your shoulders are so tense. Pregnant women shouldn’t be overworked like this.”
Vanessa smugly lifted her chin at me: “Did you hear that? This family isn’t under your control anymore!“]]
I let out a cold laugh, grabbed my purse, and headed for the door.]
Nicholas yelled behind me: “Get out! Our family doesn’t need a useless woman like you!“]
“Exactly,” Vanessa stroked her belly with a sarcastic tone. “I’m carrying a blessing baby–the psychic said this child will bring incredible wealth to the Hampton family!”
I got to the door and suddenly stopped. “Nicholas, remember what you said today.”
“What? Are you trying to threaten me?” Nicholas rushed up to me, his face twisted with rage. “Let me tell you, Joanna–from today forward, you won’t get a single penny from the Hampton family!“]
Vanessa strutted over with her belly, saying proudly: “Some people just have no self–awareness. My little blessing isn’t even born yet, and the company stock has already risen 20%-that’s destiny!“]
Marianne chimed in: “Exactly! Anyone can see Vanessa’s pregnancy is blessed, unlike certain people who are just barren!”
“Good, very good.” I surveyed this family’s ugly faces. “I hope you remember how you treated me today.“[
Nicholas waved dismissively: “Just get out! I’m sick of looking at you!“[]
Vanessa said with fake sweetness: “Bye bye, Joanna Don’t forget to leave your keys.”
I took one last look at this home where I’d lived for three years, then slammed the door and left without looking back.[]
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Marianne immediately chimed in: “Exactly! Our Vanessa is carrying a lucky star. The psychic said this child will bring prosperity for three generations!”
George frowned and spoke up: “Joanna, you’d better think this through. Without the Hampton family, you’re nothing.“]
I smiled slightly and turned on the projector: “Before I leave, I’d like everyone to see some data.“[]
The screen immediately displayed Hampton Group’s performance curve over the past three years: “This was the annual profit before I took over–120 million dollars. This is now–780 million dollars.”
“Now look at this.” I switched to the next slide. “Projected return on investment for the renewable energy project–300%. Unfortunately, I’ve already withdrawn my funding from this project.”[]
Nicholas’s expression immediately changed: “What did you say? The renewable energy project was your personal investment?”
“Of course.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Didn’t the board vote unanimously against it?“[]
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