Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 326

Mandy sat in the passenger seat, head bowed, her hair a tangled mess that half- concealed the vivid red handprint blooming across her cheek.

Her hands were tightly intertwined in her lap, fingers rubbing anxiously together until her knuckles turned pale from the pressure.

She stole a sideways glance at Liam, who kept his eyes on the road, jaw set in silent focus. Mandy opened her mouth several times, but each time the words died before she could form an excuse.

The silence in the car was suffocating-so still and heavy it seemed to stretch out every passing second. Mandy's mind raced, scrambling for an explanation that wouldn't sound like a lie.

But all the way home, Liam didn't ask a single question.

The more he kept his silence, the more uneasy Mandy felt.

Finally, the car rolled to a gentle stop.

Liam unfastened his seatbelt and stepped out without a word.

Mandy drew a shaky breath, then followed him, trailing a few steps behind as they entered the house.

Inside, Liam went straight to the sofa and sat down, folding his hands over his knees. He watched Mandy with calm, steady eyes—a look that felt equal parts concerned and scrutinizing.

Mandy hovered by the doorway, nerves fraying with every tick of the clock.

last, Liam broke the silence with a quiet sigh. "Come sit down. I'll grab the

neutral, giving

only after he'd left the room did she slowly perch

in Liam's home, but everything was just as

in neat, purposeful arrangements. Not a

of course.

always tidy.

made her suddenly self-conscious. Did he and his

her mind, Mandy shot to her

first aid kit in hand, catching her

"Oh, nothing. Really."

Let me take care of

eyed the sofa with faint distaste, but steeled herself and

the ointment, dabbing a bit onto a cotton pad. His touch was gentle as he applied it to

smell the faint, clean scent of soap lingering on his

of mischief in his eyes and a softness around

Mandy's breath caught,

tension, she cleared her throat and muttered, "Could you...not tell my mom or

was barely above a whisper, edged with nervous