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.

aspired to be, she became a convict scorned by society, with a permanent

that

digging deep into her palms, yet she remained unaware

Claire's voice was soft,

the mention of "Cresthaven Academy" was as heavy as a thousand- pound boulder,

for its rigorous academic standards. Unlike Elite Crest High, where money could secure admission, Cresthaven

any student; she was consistently at the top of her class, a testament to her brilliance. With her

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

trailed off as realization dawned,

lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I preferred cycling to school rather than attending with Vanessa, because

breakfast because Cresthaven Academy's morning classes started at six. I had to get up at four to bike

for lunch because 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,

"I didn't know you