Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 66

Moreover, the ritual of kneeling and bowing three times, with each step bringing her forehead to the ground, would undoubtedly bruise her knees and forehead- especially for someone like her, accustomed to a life of comfort.

As the wife of the chairman of The Linwood Group, being seen doing such a thing would be utterly humiliating. If someone were to capture it on camera and post it online, how could she possibly face her peers in the affluent circles of Cresthaven?

Furthermore, Father Benedict of the Temple of Serenity wasn't someone just anyone could meet. He only saw those destined to cross his path.

If Father Benedict refused to see her, wouldn't all her efforts be in vain?

After weighing the pros and cons, Adah wore a troubled expression.

"Claire, could we perhaps reconsider the request?"

Claire couldn't help but laugh, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Mrs. Linwood, you seek my forgiveness yet keep bargaining with me. Do you think this is a marketplace?"

Adah's face flushed red with embarrassment. She lowered her head, filled with guilt, and murmured, "Claire, it's not that I don't want to, but I'm too old to climb a mountain."

face fell with disappointment, her eyes reflecting a cold indifference. She clearly saw

you truly sincere about making amends? It seems to me

in her eyes. She spoke with a quiver in her voice, "No, Claire,

as if to see through her soul. "I've already given you a chance, and you didn't cherish it. Your so-called motherly love is nothing

not

desperately, her emotions on the brink

chance, truly the last one. Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you, whatever it

Mrs. Linwood, since you're so insistent, I'll trust you one more time. But this is the last

if receiving a pardon, nodded vigorously, though the

watched Claire intently, her entire body tense with anticipation. "Tell me." Claire met her gaze. "The Linwood family raised Vanessa for twenty-three years, spending well over a million on her, didn't

was taken aback, "Claire, are you asking

have nothing else to offer me. I don't need a million from you; I only want ten thousand. If you can manage that, then

but it wasn't