Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 47

**The Dining Room**

Nathan, Adah, Ethan, and Vanessa had already seated themselves, but unusually, none of them had started eating yet.

As soon as Claire stepped in, Adah rose immediately, taking Claire's hand warmly. "Claire, you must be starving. Come have breakfast," she said with enthusiasm.

She guided Claire to the table.

Nathan sat at the head, with Ethan to his right and Adah on his left. Vanessa was naturally seated next to Adah.

Claire had two options: sit next to Ethan or next to Vanessa. Neither was appealing, but if she had to choose, she'd rather sit by Ethan.

Without a word, Claire took her place beside Ethan, expressionless. She picked up a spoon and quietly began to eat the simple dumplings in front of her.

on her, each

barely contained by Adah's calming presence,

to greet her elders before eating, but recalling last night's events,

forced a smile. "Claire, these dumplings were specially made

she hadn't heard her, not even sparing a glance, her focus solely on

a deep breath, suppressing his rising anger, managing a strained smile. "Claire, after breakfast, you should take off that bandage. You're not injured, and anyone would think you're being mistreated in this

an ironic smirk playing on her lips, but she remained silent and resumed

napkin before looking up. "I'm done. Take your time,"

anger any longer. "Claire, why the sour face in the morning? Who are you trying

her eyes devoid of emotion, which only

on Claire's head, snarling, "Let's see if you're really hurt or just