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. What

head and poked at her

her

reply pinged through: he was

her fork and said, "Mom, Claire, I'm done. You

warmly. "Alright, see you tomorrow. We'll celebrate your

then stood and quickly made

and hurried after

he reached the private dining room's door,

stone. He shouted after

glance his way. She just leaned toward Normand. "Go.

stand the thought of facing

and flipped him off before revving the engine. The motorcycle

cold, bitter laugh. "Let's

sped through the city as night fell, the wind rushing past Mandy's ears as she clung tightly

any better tonight? If you