Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 19

After hanging up the phone, he sat in his chair, staring blankly into the distance.

Ethan remained lost in thought for quite some time before finally getting up and leaving the study. Standing in front of the bedroom door, he found himself unable to muster the courage to open it. The closed door seemed like an invisible barrier, separating him from Claire, who lay inside.

It was her own actions that brought her to this state, yet his heart still ached with an unbearable heaviness.

As he hesitated, a servant hurried over. "Sir, Miss Vanessa's birthday celebration is about to start. You should head over there now."

Ethan hesitated, casting a deep look at the bedroom door before turning away silently and following the servant.

In the ballroom, Vanessa was the center of attention, like a princess surrounded by her adoring subjects. She stood in front of an ornate cake as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" in unison. When the song ended, she took a deep breath and blew out the candles in one go.

In an instant, colorful balloons and streamers burst into the air, and everyone cheered "Happy Birthday" to Vanessa, their voices echoing through the hall.

Ethan stood among the crowd, observing the beaming faces. Inevitably, his mind conjured up the image of Claire, lying pale and frail in bed.

smile but found

one go. The liquid trickled down his chin, soaking his collar. Ignoring it, he continued to drink, as if battling

a distant hum of laughter and

of nausea overtook him, and he rushed to the bathroom, clutching the sink

some clarity. He turned on the faucet, letting cold water splash over

dripping face to the mirror. His disheveled hair clung to his forehead, water droplets tracing the sharp

himself aloud, "I did nothing wrong. Why

phone rang.

his face, Ethan

"Hello."

you asked for,"

Ethan's voice was

Quinn hesitated.

impatience grew. "What is