Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 23

Claire looked calmly at Vanessa.

Even before Claire could make any move, Vanessa appeared terrified, her body trembling as she took several steps back, her face pale. "Sister, please don't look at me with such resentment. I'm scared."

Nathan angrily pushed Claire aside and shouted, "What are you planning to do to Vanessa?"

Claire staggered backward, losing her balance and nearly toppling over the railing on the second floor. No one seemed to care.

Nathan and Adah stood protectively around Vanessa, eyeing Claire with suspicion.

Ethan opened his mouth, ready to scold Claire, but the words caught in his throat as he recalled the hardships she endured in prison. He couldn't bring himself to speak those hurtful words.

Claire's expression was cold and indifferent, but the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her sarcasm.

This was her family.

The moment Vanessa showed even a hint of distress, Claire became the target of their accusations.

There was a time when their slightest glance or word could sway her emotions.

Now, it no longer mattered. Facing their misunderstandings, her heart remained calm and unperturbed, devoid of any emotional turmoil.

to explain

demeanor, as if nothing they said could reach her, pained Ethan deeply. He couldn't help but

unable to reconcile this concerned

it felt, she thought, that

of a bruise was nothing compared

he was referring to, and then gave

it. No

Was that all?

to stand up for her, causing both Cole Corporation

his sacrifice not worth

wave of frustration surged from his heart to his stomach, like swallowing a

stomach ailment flared

Claire, Ethan stared

whenever he had a stomachache,

see worry and care reflected back.

gaze didn't linger on him for even a second, let alone show any sign

there's nothing else, I'll

but her words were as hurtful as a dull knife, cutting through