Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 346

A gentle breeze swept by, teasing strands of Claire's hair.

She stood at the edge of the bridge, gazing down at the river flowing beneath her feet—a scene so familiar, yet her heart was nothing like the last time she'd been here.

Back then, she'd been completely lost, teetering so close to the edge that only a miracle had stopped her from jumping.

"Father Foster, do you remember this place?" Claire's eyes shimmered with emotion. "If I hadn't run into you that night, I don't think I'd be standing here now."

She turned, meeting Sean's gaze, her expression earnest. "Really, thank you. You saved my life. I'll never forget it."

Sean's face softened. "Do you remember what I told you that night?"

Claire thought for a moment. "You said life's a bit like a play-sometimes, just having one more person in the audience can change everything. You told me you wanted to see what would happen if I chose to keep going, to see how the story would unfold."

She paused, then added, “Back then, I didn't believe you. I thought my story was already a tragedy, not worth watching anymore."

Sean's usually stern face, glowing warmly in the evening light. "You never know. The best scenes

nodded. "Yes. And I owe it all to you, Father

her features, but a

failing her. If only she

hiding the sorrow

comfort,

"Claire?"

jerked her head up and found herself staring into Vincent's

black suit, wheelchair-bound, a wool blanket draped over his legs, a

his eyes, surprised. Who would have thought that after losing his job and his ability to walk, Vincent might have a second

gaze fastened onto Claire, burning with

you have no idea how desperately I've searched for you these past days." Whatever

person she'd hoped never to see again, and right when she'd finally gotten out for some fresh air with

her hand into

path with alarming speed. "Claire, aren't