Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 28

For the first time in her life, Claire found herself surrounded by protectors, and the tears streamed down her face more fiercely than ever.

A kindly woman patted her back gently. "Sweetheart, stop crying. If you don't want to go with your brother, then you don't have to."

Claire's sobs halted abruptly, and she looked at the woman in front of her with tearful, astonished eyes.

"You know he's not a kidnapper?"

"The suit he's wearing is custom-made and costs at least six figures. The watch on his wrist is a Vacheron Constantin, worth millions. No kidnapper would dress like that."

Claire glanced over at Ethan, who was now surrounded by a crowd and unable to break free.

"Why?"

The woman gently touched Claire's head. "Because you don't want to go. Even if he's your brother, he has no right to control you."

"Family doesn't always mean blood. Blood ties don't guarantee a good family. If your family makes you unhappy and only brings you pain, they aren't your family; they're a chain holding you down."

"You can walk away without any guilt. A child truly loved wouldn't be as frail as you. I believe you've suffered greatly, which is why you're so desperate to escape."

Claire's tears flowed anew.

understanding she never received from her own family, she

you, thank you," she murmured, words of gratitude all she could manage. The woman gave her

who've hurt you find you again." Claire gave the woman a long,

moment, she even forgot that one of her

mind was consumed with

find Southtown Station, he could certainly figure out she was heading to Hillspire

was no longer an option, and she couldn't use

to walk, she was determined to reach a

Ethan's voice called out, but she didn't

was determined to make

exit of the train station was just ahead,

hand with a handkerchief suddenly covered her mouth

mind went

heard

really is a

"Let's go home."

...

she