Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 109

Adah suddenly lifted her head, her eyes filled with determination, as if she had transformed into someone else in that instant. She stared intently at Claire, her previous sadness and sorrow completely vanished. "Whether you admit it or not, you are the child I carried for nine months and gave birth to. Your bond with the Linwood family can never be severed. As a member of the Linwood family, you have a duty to contribute to it."

"Don't forget how you promised your father and me. If you go back on your word and disregard the Linwood family's legacy, you won't get what you want." Her gaze was unwavering, her lips pressed into a firm line, each word she spoke was like a hammer striking a nail.

Claire was not surprised in the slightest. She had anticipated Adah's tactics. When emotional manipulation failed, Adah resorted to using the million-dollar inheritance as leverage.

Even if Claire refused, the Linwood family had other ways to pressure her, like using May and Mandy as pawns against her. Her marriage to Heir Foster was a foregone conclusion, whether she agreed or not.

Her heart, once so vulnerable, had long been hardened by their relentless coercion. Facing them now, she felt no pangs of hurt or surprise.

Claire understood that Adah's visit to the hospital was not out of genuine concern for her well-being. Her true intention was to secure Claire's marriage to Heir Foster, thereby strengthening the Linwood family's position.

"Are you finished? If so, please leave," Claire said flatly, her tone devoid of warmth.

She turned her head away, unwilling to look at the faces that filled her with such disdain.

Adah's heart ached like it was being torn apart.

still longed for her affection, that even a single tear shed by Claire would

there was nothing, absolutely

pain Adah felt, the sharper her words became. "Since you seem fine, let's get you discharged soon. Your father and I will arrange for you to meet Mr. Foster." With that, she turned quickly and

he wanted to say something, but he only sighed helplessly and followed

silent, so quiet Claire could hear her own unsteady

as if

to show weakness. These people were not worth a single

May's concerned voice broke the silence,

the comforting aroma

help but voice her

reddened with a mix of heartache and

have to stay with the Linwood family any longer. They've never truly

than to escape

as the thought

left, the Linwood family would never let May go easily. What