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."

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

not to sob out loud. Yet,

cried, but once she managed to calm herself, she glanced

saw May sitting by Claire's bedside, feeding her with

was so cold towards her

once lifeless eyes

she could see the laughter and

were the ones

deeply pierced Adah's

pull May away,

had come to realize that

and didn't want her as a

something

Blood is thicker than water,

waited outside for a long time

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

at May with dissatisfaction. "You go

that, she moved to reenter the