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."

I poured toilet water

word was laced with

a beast lurking in the cold night. But her lips lifted into a

about her being a rich man's mistress had spread like wildfire through Cresthaven Institute of Technology, her reputation

stepping in, she

to thank Ethan like her mother did. She wasn't naive; it was clear as

How despicable.

had shown their true colors,

them the

didn't realize that witnessing Claire's downfall had changed her. Since high school, she'd transformed into a fierce

to bully her, she was ready to fight back, no matter

crossed her arms, leaning

only been used to wipe feet but also to clean

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

door latch turning broke the silence of the hallway and plunged

smile on her lips as she leaned against the doorframe. "You

froze, their faces drained of color. As they met Mandy's smile-part mocking, part menacing-their

stepped inside and locked the door behind

contract in

painted in a seductive red.

Mandy laughed.