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.

a quiet sigh. "Come sit down. I'll

was neutral, giving

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

home, but everything was just

furniture sat in neat, purposeful arrangements. Not a speck of dust

of course.

men were always tidy. Or so the stereotype

suddenly self-conscious. Did he and his boyfriend

idea flashed through her

wrong?" Liam had just returned, first aid kit in hand, catching her in her awkward

"Oh, nothing. Really."

down. Let me take care of that." He nodded at

the sofa with faint distaste, but

knelt in front of her and opened the ointment, dabbing a bit onto a cotton pad. His touch was gentle

clean scent of soap lingering on his

a glint of mischief in his eyes and a softness around

him just inches away, Mandy's breath caught,

muttered, "Could you...not tell my mom or Claire about

voice was barely above a whisper, edged