Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 290

Brian reached out, wanting nothing more than to pull Claire into his arms and show her just how deeply he regretted everything he'd done.

But Claire recoiled, her expression twisted in disgust. The last thing she wanted was Brian's touch-just the thought of it made her skin crawl.

She tried to move away, but her injured legs wouldn't let her get far. Panic flickered in her eyes as Brian closed in, arms outstretched, ready to envelop her.

Suddenly, a strong, steady hand appeared out of nowhere, wrapping firmly around her waist. In one swift motion, she was pulled safely into another embrace-a warm chest scented faintly of cedar and tobacco. She barely had time to catch her breath before Sean, without a hint of mercy, landed a brutal kick that sent Brian sprawling across the floor.

"You think you can lay a hand on her?" Sean's voice was low, cold as steel.

Brian lay sprawled on the ground, face twisted in pain. He looked up at Claire, desperation flooding his expression. "Claire, please, I didn't mean to! I'm begging you, just forgive me!"

But Claire was already nestled in Sean's arms, face buried against his chest, breathing in the comforting scent that was uniquely his. Brian's words didn't even reach her. Her silence, her absolute refusal to even acknowledge him, sent Brian spiraling into despair.

He knew, with crushing certainty, that Claire would never forgive him. The girl he'd loved most in this world was lost to him forever.

and Sean so close, so at ease in each other's arms, made Brian's heart twist with

in his eyes. "Let her go!" he

He just tightened his

fury, charged after them, fist raised. "I

for Jarrod. He stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap across Brian's face. "Enough! Have you lost your mind? Are you not ashamed of

at her son in utter disappointment. "Brian, you've let us

and sharp. "It's a disgrace to have you as a brother. I must've been cursed to end up with someone like you in the family.

up!" Brian's voice cracked as he shook his head frantically, scrambling for

him. The pain was almost unbearable. Why couldn't his parents and sister understand him? The buzzing

Claire, not at his family-it exploded outward, lashing at Vanessa and

all your fault!" he screamed, swinging a fist at Nathan and knocking him to the ground. He then turned on Vanessa, pummeling her with fists

woman!

Seeing his daughter being beaten, Garnett Brown's anger boiled over. He

overpowered Garnett, pinning him to the floor and beating him