Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 290

Chapter 290: 290-I Take My Own Stand Now

Helanie:

“We were heading to the café to grab something to eat after work,” Maximus explained to his brother, who was sitting in the passenger seat next to him. We were now on our way back home.

I wondered what Jenny was thinking. But knowing she was on a date with Rayden when her mate spotted Arlo and picked up a fight. After all the chaos, we sat silently in the car, and Norman told the driver to take us home. I sat in the backseat, doodling in my notebook to avoid showing any expressions.

Norman had adjusted the mirror in such a way that if I lifted my head, I swear our eyes would meet. I am sure he was examining my body language after Rayden accused me of telling him that it was Arlo, who wanted him dead. But thankfully, I seemed convincing enough to them.

Once we arrived at the mansion, I handed Maximus the notebook containing the notes from today’s work and rushed inside to avoid running into anyone else. I knew Rayden would confront me when no one was around.

The minute I entered my room, I was shocked to see Charlotte sitting in the chair, reading a book that Emmet had given me when I first arrived at the mansion.

“What are you doing here?” I asked sharply, sounding instantly irritated. Somehow, it made her scoff and roll her eyes at me.

“This is my mansion; I can go wherever I want,” she replied, pretending to be engrossed in the book. In reality, I knew she didn’t like reading. I’d heard the maids and even her mother scold her for not studying or doing anything useful with her life.

“Well—,” I marched up to her and snatched the book out of her hands, shocking her, obviously. She didn’t know I could stand up for myself. Just because I usually let Maximus stand up for me, she probably thought I was an easy target. That’s why she had come to my room to bully me in private.

“Helanie, you’ve been losing your mind lately. This kind of behavior isn’t acceptable towards the owner of the house,” she pointed to herself, her eyes already glistening with tears of anger.

Every time someone gave her a harsh response, she would tear up like she was being treated unfairly.

“Owner? Didn’t Maximus tell you what you really are? Just a guest,” I reminded her of the morning’s incident, which made her clench her jaw even harder.

“He only said that because he was upset with me. We have our own arguments and personal issues,” she managed to steady her voice and cleared her throat. Her fingers reached for a strand of her hair, which she began twisting nervously.

“Oh really? Funny how he’s always arguing with you. Aren’t you tired of trying too hard?” I said mockingly, folding my arms across my chest and tapping my foot on the floor.

She looked flustered at my statement or maybe realized I knew a little too much about her and Maximus.

“What do you mean?” she asked, swallowing hard, the motion of her throat clearly visible to me.

“You know what I mean. Now get out!” I pointed at the door, and as I stepped aside to have a clear view of it, I saw Norman standing there.

Charlotte noticed him too, so she immediately began her act of playing the victim, pretending I was mistreating her. I had expected this, so I turned to look directly at her face.

“I just wanted to spend some time with you. But I guess—you hate everyone who cares about you because you’re such a big shot now, being part of the academy,” she said, her voice shaky and tears spilling from her eyes. Her acting was so convincing that if I had heard her use those lines on someone else, I might have believed her too. I wouldn’t be surprised if Norman fell for it.

“Charlotte!” he said her name firmly, and she yelped, pretending not to have noticed him earlier. She quickly stood up and lowered her head, sniffing to make it seem like she was trying to hide her tears.

“Didn’t your mother teach you not to enter someone’s room without their permission?” Coming from Norman, it sounded even more cutting. He had a strange way of delivering harsh words that felt like a slap to the face. Charlotte looked taken aback, possibly not expecting such a cold response, even with her impressive acting skills.

“But I’m her cousin—,” she started, only for Norman to cut her off.

“Shush! Still—not allowed. Now leave. I need to speak with Helanie,” he said sharply, a permanent frown on his face. He stepped aside to give her room to leave.

Charlotte didn’t raise her head as she rushed out of the room, her eyes brimming with fresh tears.

This time, they were real.

Once she was gone, I shifted my focus to Norman. I had a feeling he had something important to say.

“Try to stay away from Rayden. If things aren’t improving, you should avoid him at all costs,” he advised, his hands in his pockets.

I nodded and then asked, “There’s a meetup at the academy. What’s it about?”

Norman shrugged, which only confused me more.

So even he didn’t know the reason for the meeting?

“Emmet called for it. He says he has a good reason, so I’m trusting him. Don’t worry about it; he’ll handle everything,” Norman explained, sounding tired. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was getting enough sleep.

He always looked alert and healthy, thanks to his constant workouts, but there were times when his exhaustion was impossible to ignore.

“Okay, thank you!” I replied, breaking the silence.

Norman glanced around my room without moving from his spot. There was something unsettling about his quietness, like a storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.

“Anyway, make sure you attend lunch. Dad has an announcement to make,” he added before turning and leaving the room like a bullet fired from a gun.