Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 118

Claire snapped back to reality, her pupils constricting with sudden urgency. Without a moment to think, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around the elderly woman to protect her.

With a resounding "thud," a cane struck Claire hard on the back.

She let out a muffled groan, her body trembling involuntarily from the searing pain. Yet, she held onto Aberdeen fiercely, her voice weak as she asked, "Grandma, are you alright?"

The old woman, who had already been fond of her granddaughter-in-law before even meeting her, was now overwhelmed with emotion. Seeing Claire protect her so selflessly melted her heart entirely.

"I'm fine, dear. How about you?"

"I'm okay," Claire replied, gritting her teeth and fighting through the fiery pain in her back. She tried to keep her voice steady, though her face had turned ghostly pale.

The driver, realizing he had missed his first target, was consumed with rage. Raising the cane once more, he prepared to strike again.

Grace, quick on her feet, dashed forward, shoving the driver aside and throwing her arms wide to shield Claire and the elderly woman. She shouted, "Try to lay a hand on them again, I dare you!"

The driver glared, his eyes bloodshot. "You meddling old fool! Daring to interfere in the Linwood family's affairs! I'll beat you all to a pulp, and no one will dare say a word!"

As he spoke, he lifted the cane again.

May, frantic with worry, scanned the area desperately until her eyes landed on a potted plant nearby.

to stop the driver's violence, she grabbed the plant and, with all her strength, smashed

thud echoed as the pot shattered, scattering soil and leaves

from the blow, the driver staggered and fell to the

urged, "Miss Claire,

rushing to push the

was right behind

but alarmed by

they were greeted by the horrifying sight of Vanessa's hands clamped tightly

red, her lips turning a sickly shade of blue from the lack

darted forward like a madwoman, grabbing Vanessa's hair

had no choice but to release her grip, shrieking as

facade Vanessa usually wore; now she was

nails leaving bloody trails on Claire's

hurt, Aberdeen was beside himself with worry.

"Grace, pull this crazy woman

one of Vanessa's arms, holding

Vanessa entirely, her

any sign of vitality, her chest showing