Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 183

Adah's slap carried the weight of a storm, leaving no room for civility towards Claire. In front of a room full of guests, she intended to teach Claire a harsh lesson.

The crowd erupted in disbelief, the previously calm atmosphere turning tense. Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on Claire, waiting for the slap to land.

But before Adah's hand could strike, Liam, who stood beside Claire, swiftly intercepted and grasped her wrist, forcefully flinging her hand aside. Off balance, Adah stumbled backward, nearly falling, eliciting gasps from the onlookers.

Humiliated in front of everyone, Adah's face burned with embarrassment. She stared at Claire with disbelief, as if betrayed by someone she once trusted, filled with anger and denial.

an icy detachment. Her eyes held no trace of concern for the woman who was supposed to be her mother. Instead, they were

had expected Claire to be remorseful, frightened, or even to break down and admit the mistake of

could manage not to love Claire, but she couldn't accept

her words, "Claire, how could you

as if she were watching a ridiculous performance. "Oh, Mrs. Linwood, you do remember being my mother. But since when does a mother greet her daughter

her social standing above all, Claire's public defiance was a significant blow to Adah's dignity, causing her

I'm worried," Adah stammered. "You're a young woman, leaving home with nothing. How have