Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 343

Mandy felt utterly helpless, but she forced herself to stay calm and tried reasoning with Sean. "Mr. Foster, really, I can just grab a cab home by myself. You should let Liam drive you and the others—it's a tight fit as it is."

But before Sean could even protest, Claire spoke up, her voice gentle but insistent. "Mandy, didn't you see the news? There was a brutal attack near a bar in Cresthaven last night-a really horrific one. The victim's eyes were gouged out, tongue cut off, and every limb broken. They found him at dawn and rushed him to the hospital, but even with everything the doctors did, he didn't make it."

Claire's concern shone in her eyes as she looked at Mandy. "It's really not safe out there at night. Liam should take you. We'd all feel better that way."

May nodded emphatically, backing her up. "She's right, Mandy. I know you hate to trouble anyone, but when it comes to your safety, I just can't relax knowing you'd be riding back to campus alone."

Mandy said nothing.

To Claire and her mom, she was just a sweet, innocent girl-vulnerable and harmless.

They had no idea the monster they were talking about was sitting right in front of them.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. Maybe she'd gone too far last night.

She hadn't killed the man outright. That would've been too merciful. She'd wanted him to suffer, to wish for death.

handiwork only lasted a few hours. By morning,

her head and poked at

discreetly pulled out her phone and

a reply pinged through: he was waiting for her

Claire, I'm done. You two take your time. I should get back to campus before

tomorrow. We'll celebrate

her smile, then stood and quickly made

and hurried

the time he reached the private dining room's door,

face turned to stone. He shouted after her, voice thunderous, "Mandy! Get

glance his way. She just leaned toward

stand the thought of

revving the engine. The motorcycle roared to life and shot away from the

out a cold, bitter laugh. "Let's see how far you

as night fell, the wind rushing past Mandy's ears as she clung tightly to his waist, leaning

shouted over the wind. "You feeling any better tonight? If you are, how about