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.

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

was

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 left the room, almost as

wanted to say something, but

quiet Claire could hear her own unsteady

as if her heart

to cry, not to show weakness.

her hands relaxed, and all her resentment dissipated as May's concerned voice broke the silence, "Miss Claire, you must be

food container, releasing the comforting aroma of chicken soup that filled the room with

but voice her thoughts, "I envy Mandy, having

mix of heartache and sorrow, but she

to stay with the Linwood family any longer. They've never truly cared for you. We should cut ties and find a

nothing more than to

as soon as the thought

Linwood family would never let May go easily. What about