Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 256

It wasn't until Jeffry started digging into the Linwood family, uncovering that Vanessa had been impersonating an anonymous donor to Vincent, and then following the trail back to Vincent's college days, that Claire finally woke up to the truth.

Back in college, Vincent had taken the money she'd worked herself to the bone to earn, using it to craft the image of a trust fund kid. He was nothing like the man she remembered. Greedy, selfish, and shallow-he'd become exactly the kind of person she despised most.

Claire let out a cold, bitter laugh, her eyes full of contempt. "A promise? Vincent, who do you think you are?"

"You really believe that after you had me thrown in jail, I'd ever forgive you?"

"Have I not made my disgust for you clear enough since I got out? Save your ridiculous confidence. To me, you're beneath a stranger. At least a stranger doesn't make my skin crawl. Every time I see you, I feel sick."

Her words hit Vincent like a slap-he actually flinched, a feverish flush rising on his face, equal parts rage and humiliation.

"No, it wasn't me who got you sent to prison! You did that to yourself. If you hadn't pushed Irene Cole down the stairs and left her in a coma, none of this would have happened. You made your own bed, Claire. Don't try to blame me for it."

reached her limit with Vincent's twisted version of reality. Without hesitation, she slapped him

Deaf? The day Irene woke up, she told everyone it wasn't me!

your family constantly interfering, Irene would have pointed the finger at Vanessa for attempted murder! And you still have the nerve to smear

blow, his mind

truth about what he'd done five years ago. Because if he admitted to any of it, whatever was left between him and Claire would

as a would-be killer. If she carried that shame, she'd never be able to break

there was even talk of an engagement. He couldn't stand the thought of the girl he'd raised ending up with another man. He'd rather destroy her reputation and leave her with nowhere to turn, so she'd always have to

controlling Claire was twisted-a sickness he couldn't shake. Even now, seeing her with someone else made

the ring on Claire's

with that ring? Are

permission to get engaged to some random

belong to me-only I can make you happy. But the moment I hit rock bottom, you run off with another man.