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?"

the injustice I've suffered, or do you take pleasure in the inhumane

it's not like that," Adah sobbed, her voice

to soften Claire's heart;

What excuses do you have left? You treat me like a fool, watching me yearn for your maternal love. Do you feel accomplished? Do you laugh about it in the middle of

love for you is the same as it

Claire burst into laughter, tears almost springing from her eyes, though her stomach ached

brought

say you love me, yet you

at Prestige University five years ago. Look at me now. I'm a madwoman, a

your love for me was to thrust me into hell.

overwhelmed by Claire's words, shook her head

hate me. It's one thing to bully me, but why do

clutched Vanessa, weeping, "Vanessa, stop saying that. It's all my fault." And so, mother and