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.

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

himself for a long time before finally tearing open the bread and

for your sake if nothing else, I have

returned to

as she saw Claire come in, she set everything aside, her face lighting up with a warm, grandmotherly smile. "Claire, you're

stepping through the door, a

"Hi, Grandma."

the instant she got

so red! Have you been crying? Did someone upset

warmth washed over Claire, nearly bringing her

about you can see

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

around her eyes from crying, but Mrs. Foster spotted it right

forcing her emotions back below the

just the wind outside. Some grit got in my eye-I had to

Claire's health was fragile, and the

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

had her lie down with her head resting in her

cradled Claire like she was her own