Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 225

Claire nestled into the soft pillows, the light from the bedside lamp glinting off the ring on her finger. Absentmindedly, she rubbed the band, as if it still held the warmth of Sean's touch. She curled her fingers close to her heart, her satin nightgown pooling in delicate folds around her waist. A soft smile played on her lips, like a rose blooming quietly in the night.

Meanwhile, in another room, the bathroom's frosted glass was blurred with steam. Within the mist, the man's muscles moved like rolling hills as he toweled off, water droplets clinging to the ridges of his back, sparkling like diamonds under the warm light.

Minutes ticked away, the quiet broken only by the soft click of the glass door. A wave of cedarwood-scented heat swept through the room as he stepped out, a towel casually wrapped around his waist. Droplets hung from his hair, trailing down his chest and disappearing beneath the towel.

His presence exuded a raw, captivating allure, adding a touch of carefree abandon to his otherwise stern demeanor. Sean picked up a towel with unhurried grace, drying his hair with movements that were both elegant and effortlessly confident. Every motion radiated an irresistible charm.

onto a nearby chair without a second thought. Barefoot, he padded across the plush

the plush cushions of a rocking chair,

shadows cast by the rain outside, his gaze eventually settling on Ethan, who knelt, soaked to the bone like a drowned

Claire's forgiveness, was nothing short of absurd and laughable. He reached for a cigarette from the box on the side table, his fingers deftly lighting it. He took a deep drag, the smoke curling through his lungs before he exhaled it slowly,

he smoked, he watched Ethan's "performance" with a relaxed air, exuding a lazy yet mischievous charisma. It was as

cigarette burned down quickly, and as he stubbed it out, the ember flared briefly at his fingertips.

he opened his eyes fully, revealing a gaze both deep and chilling. He murmured to himself, "Ethan has too much time

phone, his fingers dancing over the screen as he dialed Liam. The call went unanswered, the monotone beep echoing