Chapter 1424

Rhea placed the wooden case on her desk, paused, then brought the pen holder to the front. Turning around, she took a few steps back, then returned to place the wooden case inside the pen holder. She arranged several pens and pencils neatly within, letting out a small sigh of relief. Gathering her clothes and a towel, she went to take a long, hot bath; she hadn't been home in days. The research institute's facilities were inadequate for a proper bath, despite having restrooms.

Lying in the warm water, she felt her overworked body and mind begin to relax, and drowsiness overcame her. Some time later, Rhea jolted awake, startled to find herself asleep in the tub. Footsteps sounded outside the bathroom door.

Her mind sharpened instantly. She quickly rose from the tub, donned a bathrobe, and approached the door. The footsteps ceased nearby. She grasped the doorknob. The bathroom door creaked open loudly.

"Jeez!" Maria gasped, her hand flying to her chest, her face paling. She had entered quietly, noticing the bathroom light was on and assuming Rhea was bathing. She hadn't anticipated the door suddenly opening.

"What are you doing?!" Rhea demanded, her brow furrowed in impatience.

"I—I thought you hadn't eaten, so I had someone prepare breakfast. I'm bringing it to you," Maria stammered, somewhat embarrassed, gesturing to the breakfast on the desk. Other items had been moved to make room.

Rhea's pupils narrowed. She strode over, picked up the pen holder, and relaxed upon seeing the wooden case still inside. She glanced at the pancakes and frowned.

"Do not enter my room without my permission!"

"Ree, I was only bringing you breakfast. Besides, I'm your mother. Why can't I enter your room?" Maria retorted indignantly.

"Fine, enter as you please, then. I'll simply stay outside. It's your house, after all!" Rhea declared, rising and heading toward the closet to gather her clothes, as if preparing to leave.

Maria panicked, clutching her robe.

"Ree, I didn't mean that. Fine, I won't enter your room without permission, alright?"

Rhea paused, mid-action. Maria looked helpless.

"Ree, I know you've been abroad studying for a long time and we're not close, but you're my child. There shouldn't be resentment between a mother and daughter. You can't always treat me like an enemy. I only have one daughter…"

"Are you sure?" Rhea interrupted, a cold chuckle escaping her lips. "Don't you have two?"

When Rhea was young, Maria often said to Anastasia, within earshot of Rhea: "Although I didn't give birth to you, I treat you as my daughter, and you're dearer to me than my own! Now that your mother isn't around, I'll always be your mother!" Rhea had heard such statements countless times, rendering her numb.

"Fine. If she enjoys being Anastasia's mother, then go ahead! If she doesn't appreciate me as her daughter, I won't appreciate her as my mother either."