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.

she never received from her own

she could manage. The woman gave her a gentle nudge, causing Claire to stumble

you find you again." Claire gave the woman a long, heartfelt look, then choked back her tears and bolted out

forgot that one of her legs

consumed with a single thought:

could find Southtown Station, he could certainly

option, and she couldn't use her

whether by scavenging or begging, even if she had to walk, she was

Ethan's voice called out, but

time, she was determined to make

the train station was just ahead, and hope blossomed

out, a large hand with a handkerchief

went blank, and her consciousness

heard

sister really is

"Let's go home."

...

she