Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 Oh, Then Call the Police

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+8 Pearls

“Claudia! Are you insane? You actually burned down your Grandma’s house!” Lottie’s voice cracked with hysteria.

They had imagined Claudia might be upset, might argue or fight over it, but never that she would be ruthless enough to reduce Grandma’s one bequest to ashes.

When the fire department called that morning, she had nearly thought she misheard.

“That was your grandfather and Grandma’s place of love! How could you be so heartless? Weren’t you the one who said it mattered to you, that you’d preserve it forever? Look what you’ve done now!”

Though the official report claimed it was an accident, both women knew better.

It was no coincidence. Claudia had just beaten Lydia bloody the night before, and now the house was gone.

Because they had wanted to give it to Lydia, she had destroyed it rather than let her have it.

For the first time, Lottie realized just how extreme her younger daughter had become.

Claudia laughed softly. “So, you all did know how much it meant to me? And still, you chose to defy Grandma’s wishes.”

Lottie faltered. “We had our reasons.”

“I don’t care what reasons you had,” Claudia said, raising her voice. “To me, even burning it down is better than letting a murderer inherit it.”

“Claudia! Watch your words!” Lottie screamed, anguished. “Your Grandma’s death was an accident. Why won’t you believe that? Lydia was her granddaughter too–why would she harm her? Don’t let jealousy blind you.”

Claudia didn’t bother arguing. She had no proof, and they would never believe her anyway.

Lottie pressed on, “Do you realize arson is a crime? That house was important to Lydia! And after the way you beat her–she was admitted to the ER last night…”

“Oh.” Claudia cut her off. “Then call the police.”

Silence fell on the other end. Anger and helplessness mingled in Lottie’s breath. “You know we can’t call the police, Claudia. What have you become? I hardly recognize you anymore.”

Claudia had counted on that. The deed was still in Lottie’s name, and she would never

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9:39 Tue, Oct 7

Chapter 14 Oh, Then Call the Police

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+8 Pearis

humiliate the Lancaster family by having her daughter arrested for accidentally burning a worthless old house while making offerings to her grandmother. The gossip alone would ruin them.

This matter could only be brushed aside.

Her voice was cold. “Good. Then get to know me again. From now on, Claudia won’t be the girl you bind with your moral chains. Cross me, and I’ll be more vicious than you can imagine.”

Mother and daughter ended the call bitterly.

Claudia set down her phone and sat blank for a few seconds, then lifted her eyes to Sterling’s. His usual smile was gone; his gaze was deep and steady.

“You see?” she said. “Arson isn’t leverage against me. So get out.”

“So you didn’t save me because you were forced–you just couldn’t resist my looks?” Sterling’s focus was absurdly off.

The suffocating tension cracked. Claudia actually found herself at a loss.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re a narcissist?”

“They have now.”

“You heard what I said. I’m about to have trouble. Staying here won’t be peaceful for you.”

In other words: not the right place to recover.

Sterling shifted the subject. “You know, airing family drama to strangers isn’t very smart.”

Then he lowered his voice. “A loner makes the perfect target for murder and disposal.”

Claudia rolled her eyes. “If you kill me, I’ll haunt you.”

“I’ve never experienced a ghost before. If Ms. Lançaster is offering, I wouldn’t mind a forbidden romance.”

“You’re sick.”

“Takes one to know one.”

And just like that, amid banter, Sterling stayed.

Claudia stomped off like an angry kitten, giving him a hard kick before retreating to her room for more sleep. Sterling’s lips curved.

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Chapter 14 Oh, Then Call the Police

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Show softness to a devil, and he’ll make himself at home.

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While Claudia and her patient slept behind drawn curtains, the world outside was in chaos.

The beating of Lydia hadn’t even been addressed yet, and overnight Claudia had dropped another bombshell.

If not for years of being hardened by her antics, Wilson might have ended up in the ER himself.

He couldn’t understand it. How had that once sweet, lovable little girl turned into this? Even her silent years had been easier to bear than the rebellious, defiant creature she’d become.

Could she truly not tolerate Lydia’s existence?

But hadn’t they borne this burden for her, all these years? Otherwise, what would outsiders say?

Wilson’s face was dark as he ordered his eldest son Clarence, “This time, she needs to be taught a lesson. Cancel every card in her name. Without money, let’s see what nerve she has left to make trouble.”

Then, thinking of bedridden Lydia, he added, “And this time your sister really suffered. When she recovers, arrange a grand personal world tour for her. And make sure her troupe gets more sponsorship.”

“Got it,” Clarence said, though his mood was equally foul.

Claudia’s messes always fell on him to clean up. Today he even had to rush to Altrix City to handle the aftermath.

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