Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 80

Ethan felt a pang of guilt, torn by the impossible choice before him. "But..."

"No buts!" Nathan interrupted, his tone softening slightly. "The auction is just days away, and The Fosters of Northcrest are determined to acquire the Eastborough land. Even if we, The Linwood Group, join forces with the Cole Corporation, we might not be able to outbid the Foster family."

Nathan frowned, concern etched across his face. "If the Foster family gets Eastborough, our position in Cresthaven will slowly be eroded. The authorities have already issued documents prioritizing the Eastborough Project, and once it's developed, the business focus will shift there. If the Foster family controls Eastborough, they'll hold the economic power of Cresthaven."

He continued, his voice heavy with worry. "The Linwood Group and the Cole Corporation can't match Foster & Co. Our only option is to collaborate with them, and a marriage alliance seems like the best way."

fists, his knuckles whitening with tension, guilt for Claire weighing

either, but the family's business supports so many employees. We have no other choice. Do

than yours as her brother. The Foster heir might have a bad reputation, but his family is well-established. Rumors

understanding his parents' concerns. Personal happiness seemed insignificant compared to

with tension and silence until Vanessa spoke up, her voice shaky. "Mom, Dad, I'll

and they saw her tear-filled eyes, trying to smile through her sadness.

biological daughter. When Claire returned, I should have left, but I was too young and loved you all too much to leave. Now, I'm grown up and can contribute to

spilled over as Vanessa finished speaking, her voice growing hoarse. "Will you still acknowledge me