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 She used to be so cheerful, and now she's withdrawn and somber.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."

to frame Vanessa. You testified against her. Now you care about her? She

winced at Brian's words, a sharp pain stabbing

that Claire would find redemption in prison, not

and he swung

deftly sidestepped, avoiding Ethan's punch

stumbled forward, crashing onto the bar, propping himself up as he gasped for

he slurred to the

bartender silently complied, preparing a

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

his own drink gripped

he drank, but inside,

so much potential, such

you chose

It's just... unforgivable.

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