Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 84

"Since Mrs. Linwood won't speak, let me do the honors. Your so-called well-

behaved daughter pushed her best friend down the stairs five years ago, leaving her in a coma.

And it was also your cherished daughter who, on the very day I returned home five years later, falsely accused me of ruining her birthday dress, turning me into a pariah at Cresthaven in front of all the guests.

Not to mention, she used the same trick again, framing me for pushing her down the stairs, which led Nathan to whip me with a belt. I even had to cut off a finger to repay a debt I owe, yet even as I lay in the hospital, she wouldn't let up, telling Attorney Lewis about everything.

What do you want? Are you just itching for Attorney Lewis to press charges against me?"

Claire's raw accusation cut through the air, each word landing like a physical blow on Adah's heart, bringing tears to her eyes.

"Claire..."

"Mrs. Linwood!" Claire's voice was sharp and demanding, "Do you really not know what Vanessa has done, or are you just pretending to be clueless?"

unaware of the injustice I've suffered, or do you take

like that,"

did nothing to soften Claire's heart; they only deepened her sense

do you have left? You treat me like a fool, watching me yearn for your

I don't. Claire, listen to me, my love for you is the same as it is

springing from her eyes, though her stomach

pain brought her

love me, yet you

University five years ago. Look at me now. I'm a madwoman, a cripple, a convict who

you orchestrated it all. You protected Vanessa under your wing out of love, but your love for me was to thrust me into hell. What gives you

Claire's words, shook her head desperately, "No,

you hate me. It's one thing

that. It's all my fault." And so, mother and daughter