Shirley pulled Ivy back into the room and locked the door behind them.
Ivy asked anxiously, "Mom, what are we going to do? That old hag wants to kick us out! Think of something! I can't leave the Zachman family!
"I was so close to becoming Wren's rightful fiancée! It's all that damn old hag's fault!"
Ivy's face twisted with resentment, and her eyes blazed with fury. She wanted to strangle anyone standing in the way of her future with Wren. She would have acted without hesitation if Martha hadn't been Wren's grandmother.
Shirley hadn't anticipated things would escalate this far. She had lived in the Zachman residence for four years without issue. She thought Martha had softened with age, perhaps afraid of upsetting Carlisle, and would finally compromise.
Who would've thought she would suddenly interfere now? It was maddening!
Shirley's expression darkened. "Don't panic. We need to stay calm. I'll call Carlisle. As long as he's on our side, even that old witch can't kick us out."
Ivy remained anxious. "But will Carlisle really go against his own mother for us? You saw how he left early this morning to avoid her. I'm afraid…"
"It's pointless to talk about that now," Shirley cut in, a reproachful note in her voice. "Who else can help us except Carlisle?
"Are we really going to rely on Wren, who ran away from the wedding and still hasn't shown up?"
"Mom, what are you talking about?" Ivy snapped, clearly upset.
Shirley composed herself, her voice trembling slightly. "Carlisle, sorry to disturb you while you're working. I just wanted to let you know that Ivy and I are moving out. I didn't want you to worry if you came home and didn't find us."
She chose her words carefully, not immediately complaining about being kicked out by Martha. That could turn Carlisle against her. She waited for him to ask, giving her a chance to explain without damaging her image.
Carlisle's tone shifted to concern. "What happened? Why the sudden move? Is someone making things difficult for you?"
Shirley sobbed, quickly denying, "No one is making things difficult for us, so don't worry. It's just that, given my status, it doesn't feel right for us to keep living here. Ivy and I will move out. It's better this way, and it won't cause you any trouble."
"Who said you're a trouble?" Carlisle's voice grew tense, clearly upset. "Shirley, tell me the truth. Has someone been bullying you while I've been gone? Or are they forcing you out?"
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