It was initially about information, but it became about power.

But she started it! I asked a perfectly civil question and she refused to answer.

And in anticipation of your next question, my mother raised to believe that it was rude not to answer questions.
Plus I'm Aspergic. Any kind of secrecy or evasion or (God help us!) deceit is anathema.

I always did my very best to answer T's questions, and they were much tougher than the ones I was asking!