Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 64

"You are not! You gave birth but never raised me, so you are not my mother." Claire repeated firmly.

Hearing Claire's words, Adah's eyes reddened instantly, tears welling up but refusing to fall. "Claire, do you hate me so much? What do I have to do for you to accept me?"

Claire remained silent.

She would never accept her, not in this lifetime.

Seeing Claire's silence, Adah felt a heavy weight in her chest, her voice choking with emotion. "Claire, let's just eat first, okay? After dinner, you can be mad at me all you want."

Her tone was almost pleading.

Claire spoke flatly, "Mrs. Linwood, I'm not angry with you. I have repaid the debt of birth. From now on, we are strangers."

Her voice was devoid of any warmth a daughter might show to her mother.

Adah's heart ached anew, and she forced a weak smile. "Alright, alright, you're not angry. Let's eat first. We can talk after dinner."

"Leave," Claire's voice was cold and unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation. "Claire..." Adah attempted one last effort, but Claire's next words shattered any remaining courage.

She said softly, "I can't eat with you here."

she'd been struck by lightning, her body swaying, her face turning pale. As tears threatened to spill

she leaned against the cold wall, covering her mouth, trying not to sob out loud. Yet, a muffled whimper escaped her

but once she managed to calm herself, she glanced through the window on the

May sitting by Claire's bedside, feeding

cold towards her was

once lifeless eyes now sparkled

couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could see the laughter and

if they were the ones

deeply pierced Adah's

wanted to rush in, pull May away, and take her

she had come to realize that Claire

her and didn't want her as

realization was something she could

is thicker than water, so how could she simply sever

for a long time

her still there. "Madam, are we heading back

with dissatisfaction.

to