Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 257

Jeffry: (000)

Ms. Linwood, that's not fair.

I've never even had a girlfriend, you can't just ruin my reputation like this.

All the strength seemed to drain from Vincent in an instant. It was as if he'd been dropped naked into a frozen wasteland, the cold seeping from his heart and spreading through every inch of his body.

His lips parted, but not a single coherent word escaped. He just stared at Claire, bloodshot eyes wild, as though he could burn a hole through her with sheer fury.

"You... you... you shameless woman!" The words finally forced their way out from between clenched teeth, heavy with resentment and disbelief.

He spiraled into a fit of hysterical accusations.

"Don't you know a woman's best asset is her virtue? You're not even married, and you're carrying some bastard's child—aren't you afraid his family will use that kid to control you? You'll never know a moment's peace!"

"Claire, you've disappointed me beyond words. You're so reckless- even if you get rid of the baby, I'd never take you back. Your womb once carried another man's child. You're not good enough for me, and you'll never be worthy to be the mother of my children!"

"You disgust me-make me sick to my stomach!" he spat, his face twisting into a mask of revulsion.

his gaze with a chilling calm, her eyes

know you had a college degree, I'd swear you'd

sense of right and wrong, I never

Vincent like a slap, his eyes going

you talking about? What do you mean you sponsored me?" His voice climbed in panic, the desperate volume failing to hide the tremor that

her stare unflinching as she spoke, each word

paid your college tuition.

bomb, setting off

way!" Vincent blurted, shaking his head in frantic denial. He clung to his pride, refusing to accept that all his achievements were built on the foundation Claire had

not?" Claire stepped forward. "All those designer clothes, all the luxury stuff you flaunted in college-every bit of it was bought with the money I earned. I juggled

money to dress yourself up, pretended to be some trust fund kid, fooled everyone-including

always thought he'd earned it with his own charm and talent. Now, every

it's not true, you're

"You were just a high school girl back then! How could you possibly send me that much money

It was Vanessa-only a rich girl like her wouldn't care about a few hundred dollars. You were nothing in the Linwood family—they never

hard things

he'd brushed it off with a dismissive, "You're