Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 65

Adah looked at Claire with eager anticipation. "Claire, just tell me what you want,"

she said. "I'll do anything to earn your forgiveness."

Her words were resolute, her eyes filled with determination.

Anyone looking at her would easily be convinced of her sincerity.

But Claire wasn't one of them.

"Oh, really?" Claire replied, her face expressionless.

Adah nodded emphatically. "Trust me this time, Claire. I promise you won't be disappointed," she pleaded.

Claire regarded her, a hint of sarcasm flashing in her eyes.

"Alright."

Seeing Claire agree, Adah couldn't help but smile, but her smile quickly froze.

Claire continued, "All you have to do is ask Vanessa to leave the house and sever all ties with her. Then I'll forgive you."

trapped between a

with pleading eyes, only to meet Claire's unyielding, cold

into

spoke in a dry voice, "Claire, Vanessa... she's been with our family for many years. Your father and I have always treated her like our own daughter. To suddenly ask her to leave and sever ties... what would people say about our family? And she hasn't done anything terribly wrong. It's

"If she hasn't done anything wrong, Mrs. Linwood, then

unable

Mrs. Linwood. You don't really care about what people say about the Linwood family. After all, five years ago, when the police took me

end, you're just

is the apple of your eye, while I'm just a

her

disdain. She spoke softly, "If you can't do it, forget it. I expected this outcome and never really thought

down Adah's face as she shook

things right with Claire

abruptly, grasping Claire's hands tightly, her voice trembling with urgency. "Claire, don't say that. Give me one

Claire remained silent.

desperate as Claire stayed silent. "Claire, I know you've suffered a lot. But I do love you. I just... I'm just

at

allowance, birthday dresses that started