Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 221

Sean turned slowly, his gaze gentle as it settled on Claire. The amber glow from the bedside lamp cast warm shadows on his chiseled jawline, and his Adam's apple moved subtly as he whispered, "Get some sleep."

Claire, nestled under the down comforter, shivered slightly, a translucent blush spreading across her cheeks in the soft light. Her fingers, gripping the edge of the blanket, turned pale, but her eyes clung to Sean's retreating figure like vines.

"Mr. Foster..." Claire suddenly called out.

Sean paused and turned, the shadows in the hallway slicing across half his face. His loosely buttoned shirt revealed a glimpse of his collarbone, its cool sheen like a hidden jewel in the dim light.

"What is it?"

The air, once fragrant and fluid, seemed to suspend around them. Claire watched him, feeling an inexplicable allure.

After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Why are you so kind to me?"

This question had lingered in her heart for a long time, and she finally couldn't hold it in any longer.

Sean was momentarily taken aback, but then a faint smile curved his lips.

He walked back to the bed, sat beside her, and the mattress dipped gently, causing Claire to hold her breath.

He murmured something in French, his voice like the low hum of a cello. "Parce que je veux t'épouser."

The words were like a melody, brushing softly past her ears.

and she watched his lips move in the warm light,

the bitterness in her throat, not understanding

she tried to smile gently, not

fleeting tension on her

at her fluttering eyelashes casting shadows beneath her eyes,

agree. But what had

her lip-reading skills

Foster hadn't discovered her hearing

already troubled Mr. Foster and Grandma too much and didn't want to

had said, she trusted that

she quickly beamed,

illuminated the night, casting shadows of turmoil in Sean's

so easily? As innocent

said was, "Because I want to marry

understood or not,

proposal

Sean

turned off the light, enveloping the room in a cozy

steady steps, he descended the stairs, only to be met

ear to ear. "Sean, where's

"She's asleep."

did you two