Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 12

Five years had passed, yet Vanessa seemed unchanged.

"Are you saying that just because your brother is worried about you, he can accuse me without evidence?" Claire's expression was as cold as ice, her eyes piercing like frosty stars, and her entire presence sent chills down one's spine.

"No, that's not it at all." Startled by Claire's aggressive demeanor, Vanessa shrank into Adah's embrace, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Sister, how could you misunderstand me like this?"

Adah, feeling a pang of sympathy for Vanessa, hugged her tightly and sighed, "Claire, you've really misunderstood Vanessa. She's always been sensible, not at all like you claim. It's Vanessa's birthday today; just apologize and wish her a happy birthday, and let's put this behind us."

Claire raised an eyebrow. "This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Do you truly not know, Mrs. Linwood, whether I misunderstood her or not? Do I need to remind you of five years ago...?"

"Enough." Adah's face went pale, guilt written all over her features. "Please, don't say any more."

A derisive laugh escaped Claire's lips, dripping with sarcasm.

Her own mother was just like five years ago, unwaveringly choosing Vanessa over her.

Vanessa to suffer even the smallest grievance, yet she could heartlessly allow her own daughter

Claire felt utterly disenchanted.

the pain coursing through her body, she straightened

only a couple of steps, a strong hand gripped her arm firmly. "Explain." Claire turned, her gaze meeting Ethan's with

made his heart clench. His anger was swallowed, and he spoke as calmly as he could manage. "What's the deal

on Vanessa's designer gown shimmered beautifully under the sun. Yet, a chunk of feathers was conspicuously missing from the hem, clearly torn

clenched, her body

Ethan, you think I deliberately damaged your sister's dress?" she retorted

were the only one who had access to my car, the only one with the opportunity to touch

voice choked with emotion. "Sister, why would you do

bring herself to blame Claire either. She sighed again, speaking softly, "Claire, I know you have grievances in your heart which led you to this, but let's let it go for today. In

each word with deliberate emphasis, "Mr. Ethan's car has a dashcam. We can check the footage to see if

"To prove my innocence, I demand that Mr.