Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 277

Second Floor, The Sewing Room

All it took was a gentle push of the window, and the entire garden below stretched out before her in a riot of color and fragrance.

It was Sean's idea to set up the sewing room directly overlooking the garden. He'd thought that whenever Claire grew weary from her needlework, she could simply stand by the window, breathe in the fresh air thick with the scent of blooming flowers, and let herself relax, if only for a moment.

Right now, Sean lounged lazily by that very window, his gaze following Claire and Mandy as they moved about the garden below.

He listened to their conversation drifting up to him, his deep-set eyes narrowing slightly, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. He couldn't help but lift an eyebrow, an intrigued smile curling at his lips.

May really had raised an astute daughter.

He'd always assumed the biggest threat to Claire would be the men outside, circling like hawks. Who would've thought it'd be Mandy who managed to spirit her away instead?

Still, he showed not a trace of annoyance. Instead, he watched with a calm, almost indulgent interest, eavesdropping on their every word.

He heard Claire hesitate, then say softly, "I... I promise."

"Really?" Mandy's face lit up in an instant. She bounced forward, throwing her arms around Claire in a tight hug, her voice bright and barely able to contain her excitement. "Claire, when should we leave?"

"How about tomorrow? I'll book our tickets in a bit."

she whispered against her ear, but she was sure Mandy

Mandy a gentle push, adding, "I'll go with

faltered, anxiety flickering in her eyes. "But

Grandma. At her birthday party, Mr. Foster spent two million to win the piece at auction, but

with

I owe Mr. Foster so much. When I was at my lowest-truly desperate he was the one who pulled me back. If not

each worth a fortune. She'd ended up in the hospital, unable to handle it, and he'd quietly paid

things-one after another-she'd kept close to

owed Mr. Foster more than she could ever

into fists. She'd never imagined Claire had once been that close to

that moment, she was deeply grateful Claire had met Sean. If not, Mandy might never have seen

repaid Mr. Foster, let's go abroad together,

played on Claire's

she'd mastered the art of silk embroidery, she could support herself anywhere—even overseas. She'd never have

eyes-a smile as fathomless as

let you run away from

already decided you're her

I've slipped my mother's ring