Chapter 140

Roulie raised an eyebrow at Claudia, who acted as if she had every right to be there, and let out a derisive laugh. Claudia's brow twitched, and unease washed over her.

“I remember this is my room. Who gave her permission to usurp it?” Rosalie demanded.

Claudia’s face faltered. “You’re not usually at home, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to let Helena stay here for a while,” she blurted out.

Immediately regretting her words, Claudia realized she’d grown accustomed to taking Rosalie’s things for granted, due to Rosalie's past leniency with the mother-daughter duo. It was just a room Rosalie didn't use, so Claudia had occupied it without a second thought. She'd forgotten Rosalie's fierce reactions on her last two visits.

“It won’t hurt,” Rosalie said, a playful smile in her eyes, though the coldness in them was piercing. “I’m just curious who gave you the right to touch my things without permission.”

Claudia’s face paled, and she shivered under Rosalie’s gaze. “Rosalie, I’m your mother. It’s just a room. It’s empty, and I didn’t want it to go to waste. I thought you wouldn’t mind.”

Her words still accused Rosalie of stinginess. Rosalie, amused by Claudia’s shamelessness, didn't bother reasoning. “First, let’s get one thing straight. My mother is the daughter of the Talley family, not you. Second, it’s my room. You can only use it with my permission. Without my consent, it’s stealing. Do you understand?”

“You…” Claudia began, attempting to reason.

“Is this presumptuous thievery a family tradition of the Green family?” Rosalie asked, her smile deepening Claudia’s rage.