Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 18

A moment later, Victor conceded with a resigned sigh. "I'll examine her, but don't expect me to treat her," he said.

He walked back to the bedside, set down his medical kit, and with a hint of frustration, tugged up Claire's pant leg. Muttering under his breath, he said, "I really don't understand why you go to such lengths for her. Someone like her should just be left to her own—"

His complaints abruptly ceased.

His gaze locked onto Claire's emaciated leg, as if glued by some invisible force, and he stared in shock at the twisted fracture. Waves of disbelief crashed over him.

Claire's right leg was a grotesque sight. The bone jutted at an unnatural angle beneath skin stretched so tight it barely seemed to cover the bones, with no hint of muscle or fat. The scar at the fracture site snaked across her pallid skin like a menacing centipede, surrounded by dark red bruises.

Victor gingerly touched her leg with his long, slender fingers, each contact filling him with dread. Despite his aversion to Claire, his professional instincts immediately assessed the severity of her injury.

"Was her leg always like this?" he asked.

The question landed like a stone on a tranquil pond, causing Ethan's eyes to flash with intensity. "Impossible. Her legs were fine the whole three years she was home."

Victor understood immediately; the injury must have happened while Claire was imprisoned.

body, weakened

Victor stood up, his voice hoarse, "Ethan, can we speak in

Ethan's expression was

words. "Are you aware of

Ethan shook his head.

in particular, require significant force to shatter-like a severe car accident or a fall from

such accidents are unlikely. Her

the scar tissue, it wasn't properly treated. The bones healed misaligned, causing the

she must have endured is unimaginable. Surviving it all is nothing short

his body trembling uncontrollably, hands clenched into fists, knuckles

him like molten lava threatening

How could

flooded his mind-Claire's frail body being struck repeatedly

his chest clouded his vision with black spots. It took a long moment before he could quell the rage burning

there any hope

his head, unable to hide his pity. "It's been