“Oh, my dear lady! Please don’t do this to me!” Andy exclaimed internally, on the verge of dropping to his knees in exasperation. Even if Imogen wanted to be willful, couldn't she at least choose a better time and place? Did she not realize their perilous situation? The area teemed with snakes, insects, and rodents—not to mention countless unseen dangers lurking in the shadows! Delaying their departure could lead to unforeseen disasters. But, to be fair, Imogen was blind, oblivious to these threats. This ignorance explained her lack of awareness regarding the immense pressure and sacrifices her guards endured to ensure her safety. She remained relaxed, enjoying the comforts of her military-grade tent, her every need met, even medical personnel on standby. She enjoyed the best treatment imaginable, fostering the illusion that this was merely a carefree camping trip.
Andy attempted to persuade her again, but Johanna interrupted with a laugh. “Andy,” she said, “why don’t you step outside for a bit? Let me talk to Imogen.”
Andy nodded, suppressing his resentment toward Johanna for her earlier actions. If she could persuade Imogen, it would all be worthwhile.
After Andy left, Imogen turned her head and snorted coldly. “Johanna, are you siding with them now?”
Johanna chuckled. “How could I, Imogen? I’m not here to persuade you. I just wanted to tell you something, but you must promise not to get angry.”
Such a preface usually heralded something infuriating. Still, Imogen's attention was piqued. “What is it? Out with it!”
With exaggerated indignation, Johanna recounted her rainforest observations: Felicia’s appearance, her inexplicable presence, and Stephan’s fierce protectiveness.
“She appeared at just the right time, didn’t she? She left Khogend only to stir up trouble here. It’s hard to believe it wasn't to badmouth us to Stephan! Why else would he send us away? And the way he treated her—like she was some kind of princess! He carried her the entire time, and when I spoke too loudly, he even snapped at me! With Felicia around, Stephan will never take our side. His heart has already been stolen!”
Imogen’s expression darkened, her teeth clenched. Her hatred for Felicia intensified. But what stung her most was her brother’s blatant favoritism. To prioritize an outsider so openly was infuriating.
Seeing her plan take root, Johanna feigned concern. “Imogen…”
“Of course not!” Imogen said, gripping her chair. Her expression was icy, her resolve firmer than before. “I want to see for myself who actually calls the shots in the Russell family!”
Johanna’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. She was about to witness a good show. She only hoped Stephan and Felicia would emerge from the rainforest soon. Then, Imogen would undoubtedly create a scene, revealing Stephan’s choice—his sister or his lover.
Meanwhile, outside, Andy instructed the team to pack up for departure. Johanna emerged to inform them that Imogen refused to leave.
Andy was dumbfounded. “Ms. Rosario, why didn’t you try harder to convince her? She’s pregnant! This isn’t a joke!”
“I did my best, but she won’t budge. There’s no point in you wasting your efforts,” she replied, her expression suggesting she had indeed tried.
Andy was speechless.
Seizing the opportunity, Johanna made a new request. “By the way, I’d like to wash my face. Could someone fetch me a bucket of water?”
Andy and his men were speechless. Fetching a bucket of water? Easier said than done! Their helicopter-delivered water supply was dwindling rapidly. All the food, drinks, and necessities provided to Imogen and Johanna had come from those limited tanks of purified water.