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

that they weren't moving, Claire frowned slightly. "Please

the recent fallout between Cole Corporation and The Linwood Group. Claire's indifferent demeanor only fueled

speak to your elders? Where did you learn

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

she wasn't sleeping in her own room. What was

already causing trouble. It doesn't matter if it's her

her for her own good. I never had to reprimand Vanessa like this. Who knows what Claire's intentions

enough," Adah

pain in her chest. She knew the Linwood family didn't like her, but she never imagined her father would

brother. What ulterior motives

was truly the

hurt, Claire looked up, her expression now composed and

you done? If so, please move.

firm, his gaze growing colder.

Claire replied, trying to sidestep past