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.

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

be remorseful, frightened, or even to break down and

one of sheer incredulity. She could manage not to love Claire, but she couldn't accept

trembled as she pointed at Claire, choking on her words, "Claire, how could you just let

of warmth, 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 with a slap?" "What is it? In your eyes, is a slap some kind of reward for me?" Claire's

casting curious and judgmental glances at Adah. As a woman who valued her social standing above all, Claire's public defiance was

to discipline you because I'm worried," Adah stammered. "You're a young woman, leaving home with