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.

whispered. "Maybe if I hadn't

there mumbling to himself for a long time before finally

sake if nothing else, I have

May returned to

couch arranging flowers. As soon as she saw Claire come in, she set everything aside, her face lighting up with a warm, grandmotherly

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

"Hi, Grandma."

got a good look at

your eyes are so red! Have you been crying? Did someone upset you? Tell

warmth washed over Claire, nearly bringing her to tears all

care about you

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

she had was a faint redness around her eyes from crying, but Mrs. Foster spotted it right

drew a steadying breath, forcing

smile and explained, "It was just the wind

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

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

of it. She gently but firmly guided Claire to the

with her

like she was her