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.

indifference, that sense of being despised, made him feel worse than

his own sense of righteousness, unable— or unwilling

The Foster household.

eyes was fixed on Claire, their concern and affection

see.

burn on her wrist had

wrist, her expression anxious and full of care. "Sean, take Claire to the hospital.

like this was both unfamiliar and unexpectedly comforting. The warmth wrapped around her, making her wish she could stay in this moment forever, surrounded by her grandmother and

reason doused those hopes as quickly as they'd

to see her and Mr. Foster together, but her own body was broken, fragile-a house on the verge of collapse. How could

earnest. "Grandma, I've already put ointment on it. I promise, I'm fine. Please, don't

aren't a small matter, Claire. If it scars, you'll regret it. Besides, you've been unwell-this is a good chance for a full check-up, so we can all stop

learning of the abuse Claire suffered 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

once, she wasn't about to let the opportunity