Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 237

Mandy burst through the door, tears streaming down her face as she stumbled

into the night. The cold wind whipped her hair wildly, sticking to her tear-streaked cheeks. Her shirt hung open, missing a few buttons, exposing a camisole that glinted under the streetlights, making her appear all the more vulnerable.

She stepped onto the dimly lit street, where the glow of the streetlamps cast her shadow long and solitary. Sniffling, Mandy hurriedly walked forward, her heart pounding with each step.

But she hadn't gone far when she sensed a faint, almost imperceptible set of footsteps trailing her. She stiffened.

Could she be a target for robbery? Or something worse?

Initially, she intended to head straight back to campus. But a new idea sparked in her mind an opportunity to play another role. Keeping her demeanor calm, she scanned her surroundings through her peripheral vision.

Her eyes landed on the flickering surveillance camera mounted on a nearby utility pole. An idea formed. As long as she stayed within the camera's view, her pursuer would be deterred.

A sly smile tugged at Mandy's lips as she deliberately headed toward a dark alley devoid of cameras. Casually, she pulled out her phone, her movements steady and composed, betraying no hint of urgency.

When she spoke, her voice was tinged with fear and tremors. "Hello, 911? I'm in Ridgeway Alley. Someone's following me. Please hurry..."

emerged slowly from

the alley's entrance. Under the faint moonlight, Mandy discerned the outline of a

mischievous grin spread across her face. "Followed me

boldness, hesitated, confusion and

her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "Hey there, big

blinked, taken

giving him a chance to gather his wits, Mandy wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath warm

say, hmm?" she

found Mandy's behavior odd, temptation clouded his judgment, and he

would've thought such a sweet girl could be so

smile widened, though her eyes flickered

do." His breath was hot against her neck as he

next instant, Mandy's knee shot up, hitting him squarely between the

doubled over with a strangled

stepped back a few paces, watching him with a detached amusement, showing no intention

long moment to recover, rage and malevolence burning in his eyes. "You little witch, when

Mandy turned and ran, her scream piercing the night as she raced back toward the residential