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."

attic, only for him to object once more, "You are a Linwood; if people knew you

another space, but it's just a storage

it out and let her stay

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

images of Claire enduring endless cold, lonely nights in this dreary

vast mansion where even the staff enjoyed private rooms, his own sister had been relegated

nearly

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

guilt and regret, as though pierced by countless needles of remorse. He took a deep breath and instructed, "Call Victor. Tell him to

unconscious form and

finally showed some brotherly concern for Miss Claire,

later, the door to Ethan's room swung

on your sister so much that you'd move her to your

until he spotted Claire's pale face on the bed. His playful demeanor

grabbing his