Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 313

Vincent huddled in the shadowy alley beside an overflowing dumpster.

"Claire, I let you down."

This is what I deserve.

So this is what it feels like to have your leg shattered-a pain so sharp it robs you of breath.

So this is what it feels like to be despised by everyone-shame curling up, small and cold, inside your chest.

So this is what it's like to go hungry-each ache in your stomach a fresh reminder of your failure.

Back then, when I was about to start college, you worked yourself to the bone, Claire. Even though you were drowning in schoolwork, you threw yourself into every competition, determined to win first place and the scholarship that came with it-every cent of which you gave to me.

And now, just like before, you left me most of your money, keeping barely enough for yourself.

Claire... have you forgiven me?

Memories flickered through Vincent's mind, scenes from their years together at the orphanage-Claire's eyes always bright with trust when she looked at him.

She'd follow him everywhere, like a little shadow, and he'd sworn he would always protect her.

The tears came before he realized it.

I never should've studied law," he whispered. "Maybe if I hadn't become a

finally tearing open the bread and eating it in big, desperate

else, I have to pull myself

returned to

she saw Claire come in, she set everything aside, her face lighting up

through the door, a cheerful smile

"Hi, Grandma."

instant she got a good look

eyes are so red! Have you been crying? Did

wave of warmth washed over Claire, nearly bringing her to tears all over

about you

her time with the Linwoods. When Brian forced her to kneel at Irene Cole's hospital bed, she bowed so hard her

all she had was a faint redness around her eyes

forcing her emotions back below the

and explained, "It was just the wind outside. Some grit got in my eye-I had to

health was fragile, and the old woman's greatest fear was that

her anxious. She quickly called over to the housekeeper, "Grace, bring the eye drops,

wouldn't hear of it. She gently but firmly guided Claire to

down with her

like she was her own granddaughter, holding her