Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 38

"Mr. Anderson..."

Brian's brow furrowed ever so slightly, his deep, cold voice carrying an oppressive weight. "Are you afraid of me?"

Claire lowered her gaze, hardly daring to breathe.

Afraid?

How could she not be?

His methods, she had experienced them all during her time in prison. He had stripped away her dignity, left her in agony, yet kept her alive, forcing her to endure each grueling day.

When facing the Linwood family, she could muster some courage to resist.

But in front of him, all her courage vanished, replaced by a fear that seeped into her very bones.

were wide with panic, her hands clutched the hem of

Miss Anderson. Can I... can I leave now?" Her voice was rushed and trembling, the pitch quivering with sheer

gaze, yet she could feel

as if he were a king gazing down at an insignificant

father promised me you would kneel and apologize to

the man, only to drop her

of the humiliation and pain she endured in prison flashed through her mind like a haunting slideshow, those days of torment making her instinctively want to prostrate herself before him, begging for

stepped forward, the oppressive air around him growing more intense, like an avalanche

Or do you think five years behind bars repays

a leaf in a

felt

listen. She had tried five years ago, and he hadn't believed a word. Otherwise, he wouldn't have ensured

feared him, a fear that pierced

and she

hit the ground with a heavy thud, over and over, each impact seeming to drain her of