Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 43

Claire sat on the park bench for what felt like an eternity, long enough for the skies to darken and the streetlights to flicker to life, one by one. The soft, amber glow of the lamps bathed her in a melancholic light as she sat there, unmoving.

Her eyes were distant, staring into the void, while the passing cars rushed by, their gusts of wind tangling her hair-the perfect metaphor for the chaos of her life.

Not far away, Vincent stood within the shadows, silently watching her. Seeing her slender figure, he felt an ache, as if countless needles were piercing his heart, spreading pain throughout every corner of his being.

He longed to step forward, to wrap her in his arms, and confess his regrets. He was willing to atone for the decisions he had made, if only she would grant him the chance to make amends, no matter the cost.

Yet, fear held him back. He dreaded that his approach might rekindle her disdain and resistance, that the chasm between them would become even more

insurmountable due to his actions.

So, he stood behind her, watching from a distance.

As night deepened, Claire finally rose, her movements slow and weary, and began to make her way toward the Linwood family residence.

reality, trailing her

Claire reached the Linwood family home. As she approached, she spotted May standing anxiously at the villa's entrance. Upon seeing Claire, May's worried expression melted into a relieved smile

Claire, you're finally back," May said, her eyes scanning Claire with concern. When she noticed the bandage on Claire's forehead and her pallid complexion, a flicker of pain crossed her face. "Miss Claire,

shook her head

"Are

deep breath to steady her voice. "How

face brightened instantly, her smile full of gratitude. "Thanks to the young

young master is actually quite a decent

trace of irony tugging at her lips. Watching May's grateful

how someone like Ethan could hurt others and still have his victims feel

didn't ask May what had happened to Mandy at school. For her, the details didn't matter as much as knowing that Ethan was

find countless ways to torment someone. This time, he used Mandy to manipulate her; next time, it

she couldn't bear to leave May and Mandy to be