Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 51

Ethan shouted, "You're talking nonsense! The law sentenced Claire to five years. She's paid for what happened to your sister."

Brian's expression was icy. "Paid? Claire served her time and walked out, while my sister remains in a hospital bed, a living shadow of her former self. How is that justice?"

"As long as my sister remains comatose, Claire's debt will never be settled."

"Enough!" Ethan's voice cracked, his eyes reddening with anger. "Claire endured beatings, insults, and worse in prison. She was forced to kneel, her leg was broken. She used to be so cheerful, and now she's withdrawn and somber. Hasn't she suffered enough?"

He staggered backward, knocking over a chair, oblivious to the clatter. His gaze was fixed on Brian, his chest heaving with emotion.

"My sister's a cripple now," he shouted at Brian, his voice choked with fury. "Is that what you wanted?"

Brian's heart seized painfully, as if an unseen hand was squeezing it tight.

Despite everything Claire had done to Irene, a part of him couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her.

He struggled to suppress this unwanted sympathy. "She got what she deserved. The hardships she faced in prison can't compare to Irene's suffering. My sister had a bright future, and Claire destroyed it."

"Ethan, don't forget-Claire tried to frame Vanessa. You testified against

Brian's words, a sharp pain stabbing

would find redemption in prison, not that she'd

anew, and he swung at

sidestepped, avoiding Ethan's punch with

forward, crashing onto the bar, propping

a drink," he slurred to the

silently complied, preparing a drink

and downed it in one go, the liquid spilling down his

own drink gripped

drank, but inside, he was a storm

you had so much potential,

chose to

It's just... unforgivable.

music of the bar, people danced and laughed, oblivious to the turmoil of the