Nora knew she was just a maid, and because Leo had done her a big favor, she chose to endure this indignity.
Martin returned home and happened to witness Jessica berating Nora.
“What kind of person are you, and why are you in my house?” Martin thought it was Nora who had caused Jessica’s limping and angrily shouted.
Before coming to the mansion, Leo had briefed Nora on the situation at home, so she knew this man was Jessica’s husband. She replied, “I was sent by Leo to work as a maid in your house.”
“A maid?” Martin was momentarily stunned. The mansion was large, and hiring a maid for housekeeping made sense. However, the maid dared to lay hands on the homeowner, which seemed outrageous.
“Dear, did she cause your injury?” Martin asked, showing concern.
“She did, but what’s it to you? Are you going to help me vent my anger?” Jessica, in her anger, spoke without thinking.
Upon hearing this, Martin was furious and walked up to Nora, delivering a resounding slap.
“You’re incredibly audacious! You’re just a maid in my house, and you dare to strike the mistress! Get out of here immediately!” Martin erupted with anger.
This slap was completely unjust, leaving Nora with a burning cheek. She said in a choked voice, “I didn’t hurt your wife’s foot, Mrs. Henley. Why are you accusing me?”
Martin had surprisingly resorted to violence, much to Jessica’s surprise. She had always regarded Nora as a lowly maid and assumed she could be struck at will. Thus, when she heard Nora’s protest, she impatiently said, “If you feel wronged, you can leave right now.”
Leo had arranged this job for her, and the salary was excellent. Plus, she needed to send money for her daughter’s living expenses. If she left now, she wasn’t sure when she would find another job. Nora chose to endure, saying, “I’ll go prepare dinner now.”
Watching Nora wipe away her tears, Jessica couldn’t help but mutter, “What a wretch.”
However, Martin wasn’t ready to let Nora off so easily. He stood in her path, shouting, “Did you not understand what I said earlier? Hurry up and get out of our house. We don’t need you.”
Tears welled up in Nora’s eyes as she felt wronged. “I really didn’t lay a hand on her. I came here just to find a means of livelihood.”
“No, you didn’t touch her? Then how did her foot get injured out of nowhere?” Martin pointed at Jessica’s ankle, displaying frustration.
Jessica lounged on the sofa, crossing her legs and adopting an attitude that suggested she was uninvolved, allowing Martin to have his say.
In all honesty, Jessica and Martin had been married for many years, and it was rare to see him get angry. So, Jessica was looking forward to Martin’s performance. Moreover, she had reservations about Nora’s presence, as Leo had brought her in, and Martin’s intervention could be used to help drive her away.
Nora was left only to shake her head and didn’t know how to explain herself to Martin.
Seeing Nora’s reaction, Martin became even more convinced that she was responsible for Jessica’s injured foot. He pushed her, his patience worn thin, and said irritably, “Hurry up and pack your things. I don’t want to see you anymore.”
Nora stumbled slightly and wiped the tears from her eyes. She knew that Leo would definitely want her to stay if he were here. However, his mother-in-law and father-in-law wanted her gone. To avoid causing Leo any embarrassment, she decided to leave.
“I’m sorry. I’ll leave now,” Nora went into the guest room to gather her belongings.
At that moment, Leo and Sophia entered the room.
On the way home, Leo informed Sophia about hiring Nora. Sophia had no objections, considering they had moved to a new house, and having a maid’s help made sense.
“Where is Nora?” Sophia asked when they entered the living room.
Martin gave Leo a cold look and said, “Leo, you’re bold, bringing all sorts of people into our home. Even your mom had to suffer a strike!”
Leo’s brow furrowed at Martin’s words. He knew Nora’s character and believed she wouldn’t lay a hand on Jessica. Even if Jessica had struck her, Nora wouldn’t have retaliated.
Leo looked at Martin and said firmly, “Nora couldn’t have harmed anyone.”
Martin immediately pointed at Jessica’s ankle and said, “Look at your mom’s foot! It was Nora who caused this swelling!”
Sophia, having been informed by Leo about hiring Nora, felt that there was more to the situation. She turned to Jessica and asked, “Mom, what exactly happened?”
With no way out, Jessica had to go all the way. She looked at Sophia with displeasure and said, “I’m the victim here. Instead of questioning me, why don’t you ask that Nora? Do you have no conscience?”
Leo walked towards the guest room, where Nora was packing her things. Seeing Leo, she said, “Mr. Bloomer, you’ve been very kind to me, and I appreciate it. But I don’t want to cause you trouble, so…”
“Nora, have you forgotten what happened at the talent market today?” Leo interrupted. “If you’re wrongly accused and you don’t stand up for yourself, nobody can help you. If you leave now, you won’t find a suitable job anytime soon, and what about your daughter’s tuition and living expenses?”
Leo also noticed that there was a palm print on Nora’s face. It wasn’t from Jessica; it must have been Martin who had slapped her.
At the mention of her daughter’s tuition and living expenses, Nora’s weakness was exposed. Her greatest fear was her daughter calling and asking for money when she couldn’t provide any.
“Mr. Bloomer, I didn’t touch your mother-in-law, nor did I lay a hand on her. When she returned home, her foot was already injured,” Nora hesitated before explaining.
Leo nodded and said, “You don’t need to pack. Come with me.”
Nora put down the bedsheet she was folding and followed Leo to the living room. Leo had a stern expression as he addressed Jessica, “Nora told me that you came home with an injury on your foot. You accuse her wrongly. Jessica, I warn you, don’t test my patience. I hired Nora, and I am responsible for her safety and her innocence.”
Jessica, who had been sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, suddenly stood up and angrily pointed at Leo. “Leo, where did you get this audacity? You dare to call me by my name?”