Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 233

Mandy's lips curled into a cold smile, a smile that hid a calculation few could discern.

Arrogance was a good trait, she mused, for it made deceiving the arrogant so much easier.

Ever since Mandy had witnessed Claire being manipulated by the Linwood family, she had come to understand a fundamental truth: relying on oneself was always the safest bet.

Only by becoming strong enough could she stand tall in this world, free from bullying and undeserved humiliation.

"Hang in there, Claire," Mandy thought. "Once I've saved enough money, I'll take you and Mom away from Cresthaven. We'll start fresh, somewhere no one can find us."

With a silent vow, Mandy turned on her heel, her steps determined as she headed back to her dorm.

The shrill laughter inside pierced through the thin door like poisoned needles pricking her ears.

"She's out, won't be back for a while. Let's hurry before Mandy the lunatic finds out."

"Just a maid's daughter acting all high and mighty. I've had enough of her."

"Who cares about poor people anyway? What can she do to us?"

"That's why she's the worst. Since we can't touch her, let's use her toothbrush to scrub the toilet, haha!"

"I'll use her towel to wipe my feet."

poured toilet

word was laced with

in the cold night. But her lips lifted into a smile, her

rich man's mistress had spread

it hadn't been for Ethan stepping in, she would have

Ethan like her mother did. She wasn't naive; it was

How despicable.

her once-friendly roommates had shown their true colors, using their privileged

demeanor had given them the

changed her. Since high school, she'd transformed into a fierce

anyone dared to bully her, she was ready to fight back, no matter the

her arms, leaning silently against the

to scrub the toilet, her towel had not only been used to wipe feet but also to clean up the water stains around the toilet, and her shampoo and shower gel had been

and head to the cafeteria," one of the roommates suggested, followed by

door latch turning broke the silence of the hallway and plunged the room into

her lips as she leaned against the

of color. As they met Mandy's smile-part mocking, part

inside and locked

the girls' pupils contract in terror as

early?" one of them stammered, her lips painted in a seductive red. "We were

Mandy laughed.