Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 62

Her voice was as soft as a whisper in the wind, lacking any persuasive power.

Ethan roared, "If you really cared, why insist on giving Vanessa the herbal tonic when you know she despises it? Why not give it to Claire?"

"Look at Claire—she's so thin it's alarming. Mom, can't you see who truly needs the nourishment?"

"Do you even realize Claire lost more than just a finger?" His voice broke off, and his heart ached as he recalled what Victor had revealed last night: Claire was missing a kidney.

Claire was only twenty-three. She had spent five years in prison, had a broken leg, and lost a kidney. Her future seemed bleak and predetermined.

Ethan's eyes were bloodshot, his heart heavy with sorrow. "Mom, Claire is your own flesh and blood. Can't you show her some compassion, treat her better, just this once?"

Adah was at a loss for words. Faced with Ethan's accusations, guilt washed over her, and tears began to fall.

"Enough!" Nathan suddenly barked, his expression dark and menacing. "Have you no respect? Is this how you speak to your mother?"

I do to deserve a daughter

and unlikable; she brought

off her own finger; no one forced her. Frankly, I think both her hands should be chopped off, considering how

that he began to believe them himself, heaping blame upon Claire

my mother begged you to watch over her,

she would have had a good education and wouldn't be

her. How can you

her fault she was kidnapped

like a stray when she's a member of a

accusations, feeling a loud ringing in his head as anger

burned with fury, a shameful rage

raising his hand and delivering

force of the blow turned Ethan's head to the side, and blood oozed from the corner of

last glimmers of hope in his eyes were