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.

she became a convict scorned by society, with a

that would

into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, yet she remained

voice was soft, almost

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

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

was consistently at the top of her class, a testament to her brilliance. With her grades, getting into

voice trembled with agitation. "Cresthaven Academy is over twenty miles away in the suburbs. You used to ride

off as realization

face turn increasingly pale, Claire's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I preferred cycling to school rather than attending with Vanessa, because we

joined you for breakfast because Cresthaven Academy's morning classes started at six. I had to get up at four to bike for two hours to make

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

sorrow palpable. "I