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."

swaying, her face turning pale. As tears threatened

covering her mouth, trying not to sob out loud. Yet, a

cried, but once she managed to calm

by Claire's bedside, feeding her with gentle

Claire who was so cold towards her was smiling at

eyes now

she could see the laughter and conversation between Claire and

if they were the ones

deeply

in, pull May away, and take her

she had come to realize

didn't want

something she could

was her biological daughter. Blood is thicker than water, so

a long time until

to see her still there. "Madam, are we heading back now?"

with dissatisfaction. "You go

that, she moved to reenter the