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.

never should've studied law," he whispered. "Maybe if I hadn't become a lawyer, it wouldn't have ended this

there mumbling to himself for a long time before finally tearing open the bread and eating it in big,

nothing else,

and May returned

couch arranging flowers. As soon as she saw Claire come in, she set everything aside,

stepping through the door, a cheerful smile fixed on her

"Hi, Grandma."

faltered the instant she got a good

eyes are so red! Have you been crying? Did someone upset you? Tell me, darling-let Grandma take

nearly

care about you can

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

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

drew a steadying breath, forcing her emotions back below the

and explained, "It was just the wind outside. Some grit got

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

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

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

down with her head

like she was her