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."

instant, memories of being beaten in prison, the endless darkness and pain, flooded her mind, causing her to

shock, his hand suspended in mid-air,

tangled mix of emotions washed over him, leaving him confused

saw the Claire of the past, the one who was innocent

about her

had praised her without reservation, saying, "Brian, your strongest competitor in this year's physics competition is Claire, a freshman from Cresthaven Academy. That girl is

sixteen, Brian was full of youthful defiance, thinking, "My talent is no less

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

he found himself drawn to every competition she

it was to prove himself

school, Claire consistently took first place,

admiration, "A genius like Claire is what our country needs. She's destined to make

he

he had asked her if she was so committed to competitions to gain recognition from

my motivation. My dream is to become a teacher, to educate and watch students grow into their potential. That's where I