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."

stood there, her

they finished speaking, she

and he bellowed, "Claire, stop right there! Can't you feel your

at Adah and Vanessa, noting their still damp hair and the pajamas they wore, and retorted sarcastically, "Were Mrs. Linwood and Miss Vanessa worried about me while taking a bath

and daughter had taken a bath and were ready for bed after she left

thickened with awkward

gaze involuntarily shifted

stunned, opening his mouth to offer an

their hypocrisy. The evening's drama was

without another glance at any of

...

The night deepened.

his plush bed,

with his thoughts for what seemed like an eternity,

his way downstairs to

no place for

put it bluntly, even the family's dog kennel was more luxurious than

a long time, too