Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 21

Nathan stormed into the room, demanding answers. "Ethan, get up right now! Why did you go and-"

His words trailed off abruptly when he noticed Claire lying in the bed. He stood there, dumbfounded, his mind unable to process the scene before him.

Claire, awakened by his shouting, blinked her eyes open. She too was momentarily disoriented, unsure of her surroundings.

Adah, who had just entered the room, gasped, "Claire, why are you in your brother's bed?"

Claire froze, her mind racing. Brother? Ethan? He had always avoided her, so why would he bring her to his room now?

During her three years with the Linwood family, Vanessa had the freedom to enter Ethan's room at will, but Claire had never been allowed to set foot inside.

Nathan and Adah exchanged concerned glances as they searched the room for Ethan, but he was nowhere to be found.

Nathan, his expression stern, asked Claire, "Where is your brother?"

Claire met his gaze with a calm look and said nothing. She rose from the bed slowly, limping as she made her way toward the door.

stood in her path,

Claire frowned slightly. "Please step

already fuming over the recent fallout between Cole Corporation and The Linwood Group. Claire's

how you speak to

down. "Nathan, there's no need to be so harsh.

she wasn't sleeping in her

her first day back, and she's already causing trouble. It doesn't matter if it's her brother;

being tough on her for her own good. I never had to reprimand Vanessa like this. Who knows what

Adah interrupted

it was clear what Nathan was implying. Claire felt a sharp pain in her chest. She knew the Linwood

ulterior motives could she

suspicions was truly

up, her expression

please move. I'd like to

chest heaved with anger, but he stood firm, his gaze growing colder. Adah's worry deepened. "Claire, please, just tell your

Claire replied, trying