Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 9

Her life had been shattered before he finally remembered to care about her education.

How ironic.

She had devoted ten years of relentless study, hoping to change her fate. Just as her hard work was about to bear fruit, the oppressive forces proved insurmountable.

With a dismissive remark, the Linwood family had sealed her fate, effortlessly casting her into the depths of despair.

She could have had a bright future.

From a young age, her family's background couldn't compete with others. The only weapon she had was her extraordinary dedication to her studies.

Her dream was to get into an Ivy League university, pursue a master's, and then a doctorate. She wanted to become a professor, to stand on the podium and change the destinies of others like her through education.

But reality dealt her a harsh slap.

of becoming who she aspired to be, she became a convict scorned by society,

that would affect

nails digging deep into her

Academy." Claire's voice was

"Cresthaven Academy" was as heavy as a thousand- pound boulder, nearly suffocating Nathan, Adah, and

highest-ranking high school in the area, known for its rigorous academic standards. Unlike Elite Crest High, where money could

top of her class, a testament to

is over twenty miles away in the suburbs. You used to ride that old bike

as

increasingly pale, Claire's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I preferred cycling

at six. I had to get up at four to bike for two hours to

round trip. I couldn't afford to buy lunch, so I survived on water until dinner. By the time I got home, you'd all already eaten. I was left with the leftovers, and you called me ungrateful, saying I preferred cold scraps, wolfing them

her sorrow palpable. "I