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.

ease in each other's arms, made

burning in his eyes.

He just tightened his hold on Claire and started to

after them, fist raised. "I said, let her

slap across Brian's

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

and sharp. "It's a disgrace to have you as a brother. I must've been cursed to

not my fault-Vanessa set me up!" Brian's voice cracked as he shook his head frantically, scrambling

couldn't his parents

at Claire, not at his family-it exploded outward,

Nathan and knocking him

wretched woman! Die,

broke down in tears, sobbing and screaming in pain. Seeing his daughter being beaten, Garnett Brown's anger boiled over. He

a frenzy, was far too strong-he overpowered Garnett, pinning him to the floor and beating him