She panicked, opening and closing her mouth wordlessly, at a loss for words.
Mark's gaze darted between the two women before him, taking in Joanna's flushed face and tear-filled eyes.
He snapped at Meredith, "Did you bully Joanna again?"
Joanna secretly rejoiced, her voice soft and laced with fake sorrow. "Mark, Meredith seems upset that I took her room. Maybe I should give it back..."
Mark's expression darkened. "I told you to stay here. This is my house. I make the rules."
Watching their cloying display of affection, Meredith couldn't suppress a disdainful snort.
Mark immediately pulled Joanna protectively into his arms. "Meredith, Joanna's graduating soon and has nowhere to live. I invited her here. If you have a problem, take it up with me!"
Noticing the pile of clothes on the f
