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.

didn't bother to explain

pained Ethan deeply. He couldn't help but ask, "Did you hurt

looked up in surprise, unable to reconcile this concerned Ethan with the one who

it felt, she thought, that

bruise was nothing compared

hesitated at first, realizing what he was referring to,

was it. No

Was that all?

had terminated a major deal with the Cole Corporation to stand up for her, causing

not worth

his heart to his stomach, like swallowing a

ailment flared

if punishing Claire, Ethan stared at her with a pale

a stomachache, Claire was the

to see worry and care reflected back. Even a simple word of concern would

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

there's nothing else, I'll

as hurtful as a dull knife, cutting through his