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.

memories of how she used to trail after him like a shadow, desperate for his

anger, striving to soften

her gaze, her expression indifferent, as if she couldn't

lifeless demeanor only fanned Ethan's

bars, and if she hadn't learned anything else, she'd certainly

about to explode, a soothing

"Claire."

stiffened, and her previously calm heart

years, she recognized that voice

line of sight, and the man's deep,

congratulations on

graciously replied with a "thank you." But coming from Vincent, it

most trusted childhood friend, Vincent Lewis, now a renowned lawyer, had represented Vanessa in court,

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

endure it,

did that mean she deserved to bear a false accusation

to prison had