Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 39

Looking at Claire's bloodstained face, Brian felt nothing but a growing irritation. There was no satisfaction from revenge, only an overwhelming sense of

frustration.

His gaze was cold as ice, and his lips barely moved as he said, "Get out."

Yet Claire seemed oblivious, continuing to bow her head in desperation. The rhythmic thumping of her forehead hitting the floor echoed like a heavy drum, pounding directly on Brian's heart.

His temples throbbed with anger as he repeated, "I said, get out! Can't you hear me?"

Claire's mind was blank, her ears buzzing. She couldn't hear anything around her, only the instinctive act of bowing and pleading remained.

With a stern expression, Brian strode forward, reaching out to lift the woman off the floor who was desperately begging.

Unexpectedly, as Brian's hand reached towards her, Claire recoiled like a frightened bird, curling into a ball and covering her head with her arms. Through her tears, she pleaded, "Please, don't hit me."

prison, the endless darkness and pain, flooded her

in shock, his hand suspended in mid-air, frozen for what felt

curled-up figure, a tangled mix of emotions

brief moment, he saw the Claire of the past, the one who was innocent and full of laughter, her bright eyes

first time he heard about her was from

strongest competitor in this year's physics competition is Claire, a

of youthful defiance, thinking, "My talent

top student at Elite Crest High, he didn't take Claire seriously until he lost to her in the competition. After that, it

somehow, he found himself drawn to every competition she entered, determined

whether it was to prove himself or

first place, while he was second

still remembered their teacher's words of admiration, "A genius like Claire is

he agreed with

their last competition, he had asked her if she was so committed to competitions to gain recognition from

all. The prize money for winning is my motivation. My dream is to become a