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.

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

was nothing,

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.

lingering look, as if he wanted to say something, but he only sighed helplessly and followed Adah

fell silent, so quiet Claire could hear her own unsteady

and tighter, as if her heart was being squeezed,

not to cry, not to show weakness. These

as May's concerned voice

container, releasing the comforting aroma of chicken

sipped the soup, she couldn't help but voice her thoughts,

reddened with a mix of heartache and sorrow, but

longer. They've never truly cared for you. We should cut ties and find a place where they can't reach us, and live

more than to escape

as soon as the thought arose, she

Linwood family would never let