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'd known it would come to this, maybe I never should've studied law," he whispered. "Maybe if I hadn't become a lawyer, it wouldn't

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

else, I

and May returned to

as she saw Claire come in, she set everything aside, her

composed herself before stepping through the door, a cheerful smile fixed on

"Hi, Grandma."

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

been crying? Did someone upset you? Tell me, darling-let Grandma take

of warmth washed over Claire, nearly bringing her to tears

about you

her to kneel at Irene Cole's hospital bed, she bowed

all she had was a faint redness around her eyes

a steadying breath, forcing her

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

and the old woman's greatest fear was that someone outside

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

hear of it. She gently but firmly guided Claire

lie down with her head resting in

was her