Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 294

In an instant, sunlight streamed through the open doorway, spilling across her like a silent summons, beckoning her toward hope.

A flicker of relief flashed across Vanessa's face, as if she could finally escape the looming danger.

But the moment she saw the man standing in the doorway, her smile froze. Terror drained all color from her eyes.

A slender, gleaming blade caught the light as the man used it to lift Vanessa's chin, forcing her to stumble backward, step by step.

As she retreated, the man with the knife finally came fully into view.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, the cut of his black suit accentuating his lean waist and long legs. His expression was cold and unreadable, but it was his eyes that chilled the room-hard, battle-worn, as if he'd seen more blood than most could imagine.

It was Jeffry.

"Get back," he ordered, his voice cool and sharp as a gunshot, striking straight at Vanessa's heart.

Her pupils dilated. She stiffly turned around and, unwillingly, walked back to stand beside Sophia and Garnett Brown.

Nathan watched the scene unfold, feeling his hopes sink. Vanessa's instinctive reaction made it painfully clear that her true allegiance was with the driver, Garnett Brown.

his knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor with a

so sorry," he

utterly calm, her silence more devastating

told Brian she'd given up on him completely-he no longer meant anything to

this, his body trembled

make it right. I'll atone, I'll pay you back—if you need a kidney, I'll give it to you. Just please... don't shut me

only looked away, unmoved by

let his words touch her. To Claire, his apologies were nothing

that she wouldn't budge, Brian lost all control. He began slamming his forehead against the floor, again and again, the dull thud echoing

split open, blood trickling

Karin, unable to watch

laugh. "Brian, don't you look familiar like this? Isn't this exactly how you forced Claire to kneel at my

snapped up, disbelief etched on his

right. I may have been unconscious then, but I was aware of everything. I know exactly what you did to Claire

miserable time in prison while you sat by my bed doing nothing to

have borne it,

Claire and indulgent to Vanessa. What right do you have to say

her. Not now, not

brought this on yourself, Brian. You have no