Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 112

They were supposed to be the closest of family.

Yet Claire only looked at Vincent with cold detachment, her face a mask devoid of emotion. Her gaze was like two icy daggers piercing straight through him. To her, Vincent's question was utterly absurd. A few slaps, and he couldn't handle it? How did he treat her?

When she needed him the most, he had sent her to prison without a second thought, all for Vanessa's sake. Those five years behind bars were a constant nightmare of darkness and despair, and Vincent was the architect of it all. After everything he had done to her, didn't he deserve a beating?

Vincent's eyes began to redden as he searched for even a flicker of their past warmth in Claire's frosty stare, but all he found was a chasm of disdain.

Vanessa stood nearby, quietly reveling in the discord between Vincent and Claire. Outwardly, she feigned concern, gently tugging on Vincent's sleeve and speaking in a soft voice, "Vincent, don't be sad. Maybe she's still upset."

After consoling Vincent, she turned her tear-filled eyes toward Claire, looking pitifully wronged. "Claire, don't blame Vincent. If you must blame someone, blame me. It's all my fault, and it's only right for you to be angry with me."

Her voice trembled with a convincing vulnerability that could easily deceive those unfamiliar with the truth.

scoffed, "Spare me your act, Vanessa. I remember every

Vanessa. Her own body, frail and worn, wouldn't hold out for much longer, but she intended to take Vanessa

came.

disgust, Claire addressed both Vincent and Vanessa, "Seeing you makes me sick. Please, spare me from any more of your visits under the

Vanessa tried to maintain her pretense of innocence, but when she saw Claire's hand rise, her words caught in her throat,

kept him rooted in place, his eyes filled with pain and helplessness. After a moment's hesitation, he

took Vanessa's hand

gone, Claire finally exhaled,

soured completely. All she wanted now was to leave the hospital and

head, she locked eyes with a pair of deep, cold black eyes. The newcomer regarded her like a predator eyeing its prey, exuding an overwhelming sense

toward her, one deliberate step at a