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.

received from her own family, she found in

murmured, words of gratitude all she could manage. The woman

you can, and never let those who've hurt you find you again." Claire gave the woman a long, heartfelt look, then choked back her tears and bolted out of

forgot that one of her legs was

consumed with a single thought:

certainly figure out she

option,

to hide, whether by scavenging or begging, even if she had to walk, she was determined to reach a place far, far away from

her, Ethan's voice called out,

she was determined to make

exit of the train station was just ahead, and hope blossomed

as she stepped out, a large hand with a handkerchief suddenly covered her mouth and

mind went blank, and her consciousness

heard a teasing

really

"Let's go home."

...

she was in a