Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 212

Sean felt a surge of heat under the intense gaze directed his way. He loosened his patterned tie, his Adam's apple moving dangerously beneath the black silk.

The elderly matriarch noticed the moment and was over the moon with joy.

This young rascal, she thought, finally seems to have understood how to keep Claire close. All her efforts hadn't been in vain.

Though his reasoning was shaky, Sean was never one for logic.

He turned to Claire, "Ms. Linwood, what do you think about this arrangement?"

To Claire, this so-called punishment wasn't one at all.

Living with the Foster family meant being well-fed and cared for, with her own spacious, sunlit bedroom and a private sewing room.

She was never disturbed while working, and everyone in the Foster family respected her.

This was the life she had always dreamed of.

"Alright," she replied softly, her voice slightly hoarse with a hint of barely concealed delight.

Sean's lips curled into a subtle smile, and a barely noticeable raise of his eyebrows revealed his own secret satisfaction.

This young lady was still as easy to convince as ever.

his eyes, scrutinizing Claire with a gaze that could devour. The matriarch took it all

well; in Sean's cunning presence, Claire was like an innocent

up completely taken in by

whisked away by a group of suited men to discuss the intricate details

to Claire, her eyes full of tenderness. "Claire, you've been busy all day. Are you hungry? Help yourself to some food, chat with whoever you like, and ignore those you

of affection, as

up a glass of juice, and

night sky was a deep, velvety black, dotted with a

a slight chill, gently stirring

the tranquil night, her fatigue and worries gradually fading

head buzzed, as if a swarm

the brutal beating she endured from Yvonne

finishing her juice, she pulled over a chair and sat down, resting

tide, and she slowly closed her eyes,

engagements and happened to glance

outlined her slender form, and Sean's gaze softened as he instinctively moved toward

by Claire's side, studying her

resting her head for too

as if even in sleep,

jacket and draped it over

down gently, he scooped

as if afraid of waking