Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 2

"You still owe Vanessa an apology."

"Get in the car; I won't say it again."

Claire found those words bitterly ironic.

She had explained it countless times-it wasn't her who pushed Irene Cole; it was Vanessa. But no one believed her. They all chose to side with Vanessa.

Claire was the real daughter of the Linwood family, yet her entire family only trusted Vanessa's version of events.

She felt guilty, indeed-guilty for coming back, for yearning for a family affection that was never truly hers.

She realized her mistake. She would change.

She would walk away, far enough to never compete with Vanessa for her parents' and brother's love, never again be a thorn in their side.

But why was Ethan so displeased?

She subtly pulled her hand away from his, stepping back to put some distance between them.

stirring memories of how she used to trail

soften his tone, "Come home with

lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent, as if she couldn't be bothered to look

demeanor only fanned Ethan's

she hadn't learned anything else, she'd certainly mastered

to explode,

"Claire."

body stiffened, and her previously calm heart tightened

that voice instantly—it was her childhood

of polished shoes enter her line of

congratulations on

said this, she would have graciously replied with a "thank you." But coming from Vincent, it felt like salt in her

Lewis, now a renowned lawyer, had represented Vanessa in court, ensuring

"Claire, Vanessa has never suffered. She wouldn't survive prison. Can you take the blame

it, but

mean

Linwood family to prison had made