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

upright, rage burning in his eyes. "Let her go!"

just tightened his

with fury, charged after them, fist

forward and delivered a resounding slap

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

have you as a brother. I must've been cursed to end up with someone like you in the family. From now

no! It's not like that. It's not my fault-Vanessa set me up!" Brian's voice cracked as he shook his head frantically, scrambling

it was too late. Claire would never forgive him. The pain was almost unbearable. Why couldn't his parents and sister understand him? The buzzing

to direct his fury—not at Claire, not at

swinging a fist at Nathan and knocking him to

woman! Die, just

his daughter being beaten, Garnett Brown's anger boiled over. He charged at Brian, and the two became locked in

far too strong-he overpowered Garnett,