Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 30

Ethan suddenly shoved Claire aside.

She collapsed into the seat like a ragdoll, her body racked with violent coughs.

Ethan glared at her with a fierce intensity and shouted, "Listen to me, this is the last time you defy me. Next time, May and her daughter's fate will be worse than you can imagine!"

His voice reverberated in the cramped car, carrying an undeniable menace.

Claire lowered her eyelids, concealing the irritation in her eyes.

The rest of the ride was wrapped in silence.

An hour later, they arrived back at the Linwood estate.

As soon as they stepped out of the car, Adah hurried over, reaching for Claire.

Claire recoiled as if burned, pulling her hand back instantly.

Adah's hand hung awkwardly in mid-air, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face. But she quickly composed herself and said with concern, "Claire, my dear, why must you be so stubborn? Your father was only speaking out of anger. You shouldn't take it to heart. I was so worried about you."

Vanessa chimed in, linking her arm with Adah's and adding, "Sis, you really scared us."

her expression cold

speaking, she turned and walked straight

more, and he bellowed, "Claire, stop right there! Can't you feel your mother and Vanessa's concern

back at Adah and Vanessa, noting their still damp hair and the pajamas they wore, and

the mother and daughter had taken a bath and were ready for bed after she left the Linwood estate, leaving no time

air thickened

gaze involuntarily shifted

mouth to offer an explanation

The evening's

without another glance at any of

...

The night deepened.

and turned in his plush bed, unable to

for what seemed like an eternity, he

way downstairs to Claire's

was no place for anyone

even the family's dog kennel was more

the door, Ethan hesitated for a long time, too