Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 17

In the cramped little attic, the only furnishings were a worn-out folding bed and a few sparse, basic belongings. Everything else was clutter-boxes, old books, and forgotten knick-knacks. The walls were yellowed, exuding a musty odor, while cobwebs collected in the corners.

Seeing the state of the place, Ethan was seething with anger. "May, what were you thinking? Claire is my sister. Who allowed her to live in this dump?"

May, feeling wronged and helpless, replied, "Sir, wasn't it you who told Miss Claire to stay here in the first place? Have you forgotten?"

"When did I ever..."

Ethan stopped mid-sentence as memories rushed back to him.

Eight years ago, when Claire was brought back home, he had let her choose a

room.

Claire had picked the guest room next to his bedroom, which he immediately rejected, "I plan to turn that into my study. Pick another."

Then, Claire chose the room adjacent to Vanessa's. He refused again, "Vanessa wants to make that her art studio. You can't stay there."

once more, "You are a Linwood; if people knew you lived in

space, but it's just a storage

clear it out and let her stay there

room was as bright and airy as the guest rooms, never imagining it lacked even

lonely nights

sister had been relegated to

realization nearly suffocated

exuded a palpable tension, while May hesitated before suggesting, "The storage room is damp. Perhaps it would be better to move Miss Claire

laced with guilt and regret, as though pierced by countless needles of remorse. He took a deep breath and

words, he cradled Claire's unconscious form

Claire. It seemed the master finally showed some brotherly concern for Miss Claire, after years of neglect. She quickly dialed Victor Lewis's number, "Hello? Dr. Lewis, our young lady is ill. Please come

to Ethan's room

so much that you'd move her to your room when Vanessa

entered, his expression bemused until he spotted Claire's pale face on the bed. His playful demeanor vanished, replaced

said, grabbing his medical bag and turning