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.

should've studied law," he whispered. "Maybe if I hadn't become a lawyer, it wouldn't have ended this way between

time before finally tearing open the bread and

for your sake if nothing else, I have to

and May returned to the

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

herself before stepping through the door, a cheerful smile fixed

"Hi, Grandma."

smile faltered the instant she got a good look at Claire. Concern clouded

red! Have you been crying? Did someone upset you?

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

really is true-people who care about you can see right through

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

all she had was a faint redness around her eyes from crying, but Mrs.

steadying breath, forcing her emotions back

was just the wind outside. Some grit got

health was fragile, and the old woman's

anxious. She quickly called over

Mrs. Foster wouldn't hear of it. She gently but firmly

lie down with her head resting

cradled Claire like she was her