Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 276

She flashed a dazzling, utterly sincere smile.

Sunlight streamed through the wide, bright floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling over her and bathing her in a warm golden glow. The light gave her a healthy, radiant look-she seemed perfectly fine, as if nothing at all was wrong.

The elderly lady watched her fondly and said in a gentle voice, "You must be hungry, Claire. I'll go make you some breakfast with Grace and May."

Without waiting for Claire to protest, she stood up and bustled away, calling over her shoulder for Mandy to stay and chat with Claire a while.

Now only Claire, Mandy, and Sean remained in the living room.

Mandy had a thousand things she wanted to say to Claire, her heart brimming with concern. But Sean sat quietly on the sofa, radiating the calm authority of someone used to being in control. His presence was almost oppressive—like an invisible weight pressing down on Mandy, making her so nervous she swallowed her words before they could leave her lips.

After a moment's hesitation, Mandy's eyes brightened as she seized on an idea. "Claire, when I came in, I noticed the garden's absolutely bursting with flowers. Will you come outside with me for a bit?"

had the gardeners pick out and plant every single

and her heart clenched with worry. Was Claire falling for that man? On the surface, Sean seemed like the perfect catch, but Mandy's instincts screamed caution-he was dangerous, unpredictable, a man

slightly, sneaking a glance at Sean out

them, eyes narrowed,

was like being a startled deer caught in the sights of a hunting panther-cold fear

they stepped outside and the heavy front door closed behind them did that suffocating sense of being watched

of relief. What a terrifying man, she thought. Best to keep as much distance

Claire had led her straight into

their sweet, intoxicating scent. Surrounded by so much vibrant color, it was impossible not to

softly, suddenly stopping and turning to face her

rarely saw such a grave look on Mandy's face. A flicker of unease passed through her. "What

you ever think about leaving this place?" Mandy's

a moment, she didn't