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.

to be, she became a convict scorned by society, with a permanent stain on her

blemish that would

hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms,

voice was soft,

as heavy as a

known for its rigorous academic standards. Unlike Elite Crest High,

the top of her class, a testament to her brilliance.

miles away

voice trailed off as realization dawned, leaving him

smile. "I preferred cycling to school rather than attending with

had to get up at four to bike for two hours to make it on

the lunch break wasn't long enough for a 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,

I'm sorry," Adah's tears flowed freely, her sorrow palpable. "I didn't know you suffered so