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 water into her

word was laced with

dark and predatory, like a beast lurking in the cold night. But her lips lifted into a smile,

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

for Ethan stepping in, she would have

Ethan like her mother did. She wasn't naive; it was clear as day that this was all orchestrated by Ethan

How despicable.

the incident, her once-friendly roommates had shown their true

given them the impression she was

changed her. Since high school, she'd transformed into a fierce and unyielding "lunatic," brimming with

dared to bully her, she was

leaning silently against the

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

enough. Let's clean up and head to the cafeteria," one of the roommates suggested, followed by the sound of

silence of the

a strange smile on her lips as

froze, their faces drained of color. As they met Mandy's

locked the door behind

action made the girls' pupils contract in terror as they stared at

of them stammered, her lips painted in a seductive red.

Mandy laughed.