Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 278

No one could say exactly when it started, but at some point, he had stopped calling her Ms. Linwood. Now, every time they spoke, he seemed to insist on drawing her close, making sure they faced each other directly.

"Mr. Foster, is there something you need?" Claire's voice was soft, with a faint tremble.

Sean's reply was deep and even, almost casual. "Brian's parents are here. They've brought Irene."

His tone made it sound like the most ordinary news, but Claire instantly felt a tension settle over the room, heavy and unyielding.

Her pupils constricted in shock.

The moment she had waited and hoped for-endured five years for-had finally arrived.

Though Jeffry had already uncovered the truth, Irene's presence meant

everything to Claire. Irene was the only one who could truly clear her name. Only Irene's testimony could finally, completely, lift the injustice that had haunted Claire for five long years.

Letting Sean's guiding hand lead her, Claire sat down beside him.

to Grace. "Grace, open the door. Let them

Jarrod and Karin had been waiting for what felt like

their faces. Guilt and regret weighed so heavily on them that

hour-while Claire had gotten up, washed, and eaten breakfast-this couple had stood outside Foster Manor, letting the chilly rain soak them

were

mercilessly plastered their clothes to their bodies, their hair limp and lifeless against skin that

the front door and called out to the figures waiting beyond the iron gate, "You can come

Karin flinched at her words, as

lead. It was all they

confront Claire, to shame her. And now, in the

of Claire's nightmare, sending her to prison for a crime she didn't commit and leaving her to endure five

faces ashen with remorse. Her heart

this. We owe

she led the way into the house, her parents trailing

it was as if all the strength left their bodies. Their knees buckled, and with a dull thud, Jarrod and

was hoarse and