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.

a few hours. By morning, he

small, strained smile, then lowered her head and poked at her bowl

her phone

later, a reply pinged through: he was waiting for her outside

said, "Mom, Claire, I'm done. You two take

warmly. "Alright, see you tomorrow. We'll celebrate your birthday after class-lunch at the Grandeur

stood and

noticed and

dining room's door, Mandy was already outside, hopping

shouted after her, voice thunderous, "Mandy! Get back

way. She just leaned toward

stand the thought of facing Liam another

flipped him off before revving the engine. The motorcycle roared

cold, bitter laugh. "Let's see

as she clung tightly to his waist, leaning forward with him as

any better tonight? If