My mom was so angry she was shaking. She slammed the door as she stormed out, probably going to huddle with Richard and Lilith to figure out their next move.
But I didn’t wait around for them to gang up on me. I started packing up to leave, but Ethan blocked my way, seething. “Who said you could just leave?”
“What’s this about? Just because I won’t buy you a bag, I’m not allowed to go where I please?” I glared at him. “Or are you planning to force me to stay?”
Ethan’s face flushed with anger as he reached out to grab me. “I said you’re not going anywhere!”
I quickly stepped back and shouted, “Touch me, and you’ll regret it!”
My loud voice brought my mom and Lilith rushing out. Seeing the standoff, my mom frowned and scolded, “Claire, Ethan’s your nephew. It’s just a bag—do you really have to make such a big deal out of it?”
“Mom, you do remember I’m just his aunt, right?”
I responded coldly, “From now on, I won’t spend another penny on him. If he’s so capable, let him buy it himself!”
“Claire, just because you’ve got a little money, you think you’re something special?” Ethan snapped, his face red with anger. “This is my house. If you’ve got the nerve, don’t come back!”