Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 275

Brian slumped in the cold metal chair, his arms hanging limply at his sides, eyes clouded with confusion.

He didn't even know how things had spiraled this far.

All along, he'd tried to keep the peace, smoothing over Claire's resentment toward Vanessa. Yet his efforts had backfired spectacularly-now, not only did Claire despise him, but Sean, that lunatic, had singled him out as a target.

He was supposed to be the rightful heir to the Cole Corporation empire, and yet here he was, sitting in a police holding cell like a common criminal.

Brian's frown deepened. If Claire hadn't insisted on making a scene at Mrs. Aberdeen's birthday dinner, neither he nor Vanessa would be in this mess.

How had Claire changed so much after five years behind bars? The gentle, considerate woman he once knew had vanished, replaced by someone reckless and impossible to reason with.

But no matter how hard he tried, Brian couldn't begin to imagine the shame he would feel when Irene returned from abroad and the truth finally came to light. One day, he'd look back at the way he'd so blindly defended Vanessa and realize each word, each action, was like a razor-sharp blade, cutting straight into his own heart-leaving him bleeding, wracked with regret.

That guilt would haunt him for the rest of his life, a chain he'd never be able to break. And by then, even if he fell to his knees and begged for Claire's forgiveness, she wouldn't spare him a single glance.

of being

was, stubbornly clinging to his own sense of righteousness, unable— or unwilling

The Foster household.

Claire, their concern

see.

minor burn on her wrist

gently lifted Claire's reddened wrist, her expression anxious and full of

warmth wrapped around her, making her wish she could

doused those hopes as quickly as they'd flared

body was broken, fragile-a house on the verge of collapse. How could she, out of selfishness, drag Mr.

ointment on it. I promise, I'm fine.

small matter, Claire. If it scars, you'll regret it. Besides,

in prison-and the kidney she lost Mrs. Aberdeen had been anxious about her granddaughter's health, always meaning to take her for a thorough exam. But the family had been overwhelmed with other concerns,

Sean home for once, she wasn't about to let the opportunity slip away