Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 5

Vanessa Linwood's poise and charm were nothing more than a façade, built from the wealth and resources of her family.

In contrast, she had nothing.

The Linwood family could neither shower her with love nor provide her with wealth, yet they still blamed her for not being as elegant and sophisticated as Vanessa.

Even now, she couldn't understand why they had brought her back.

In this household, her sole purpose seemed to be highlighting just how cherished Vanessa, the false heiress, truly was.

There's a saying that the unloved one is always the outsider, and it fit her perfectly.

Once, she would have been hurt by their unfairness, but now, she couldn't care less.

She glanced around the storage room, noting that the only clothes available for her to change into were an old high school uniform of blue and white.

Five years ago, she'd received an acceptance letter from Prestige University, the most esteemed institution in Vesperia.

But the Linwood family had only thrown a grand party for Vanessa's college acceptance.

That celebration had brought together all of Cresthaven's elite.

in her custom-made gown worth a fortune and a diamond-studded tiara, had stood

been taken away by police in front of everyone, spending the next five years in prison instead

...

her way to the Linwood family's grand

the way, the house staff glanced

girl? Why is she here in a

a waitress from the Grandeur Hotel, looks like a student working a

for Miss Vanessa, inviting the head

"Indeed, they do."

her briefly, saying, "The party's about to start. Make sure to change into your uniform quickly. You

the maid moved on, leaving Claire standing there, suddenly reluctant to go to the

Nathan and Adah Linwood were hosting a welcome home party for her; he hadn't

there

and taken away in

front of the same crowd, making her past public once more,

welled up within her,

She turned to leave.

his eyes filled with

you to change into a dress? Why are you dressed like this? Do you even know what

her mouth to explain, but

a mess when you got out, and now you want