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.

end, her handiwork only lasted a few hours. By morning, he was gone.

smile, then lowered her head and poked at her bowl of noodles, but her mind was

she discreetly pulled out her phone

through: he was waiting for her

done. You two

We'll celebrate your birthday

returned her smile, then stood and

noticed and hurried

door, Mandy was already outside, hopping onto the

to stone. He shouted after her, voice thunderous,

as glance his way. She just leaned toward Normand.

couldn't stand the thought of facing Liam

taunting look and flipped him off before revving the engine. The motorcycle roared to life and shot

out a cold, bitter laugh. "Let's

rushing past Mandy's ears as she clung tightly to his waist, leaning forward with him as the

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