Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 353

The woman in the red dress beamed with smug satisfaction, as if this birthday cake were some crowning glory she'd always deserved. Trying her best to sound gracious, she said, "Then please thank your manager for me."

The server maintained her practiced, sweet smile and replied softly, "No need to thank me-it's our pleasure."

With that, she turned and wheeled the empty cart out of the private room with effortless poise.

As the door clicked shut behind her, every eye in the room turned toward the woman in red, radiating envy.

Once the flurry of compliments had died down, Mac Brown-still nursing the sting from the slap he'd received-let his chubby face contort with rage. Suddenly, he snatched a plate off the table and, scowling, swung it at Claire's head, cursing as he did:

"You arrogant little tramp! You dare hit me? Let's see if you can take what you dish out!"

Claire reacted instantly. She grabbed a fork from the table, ready to defend herself.

But before she could strike back, May pulled her protectively into her arms.

There was a sharp crack as the plate smashed down on May's head, shattering into pieces.

"May!" Claire cried out in alarm.

"I'm fine, Ms. Claire," May said through gritted teeth, fighting back the pain. "Go find Mr. Foster, quickly."

erupted with raucous

you know Mr. Foster? Do you even know who he is? He's the wealthiest man in Cresthaven-barely half a year in the city

star arrives, you can grovel at his feet-maybe he'll be generous

just anybody these days. Trust

just what kind of

the door swung open again. A man in a crisp white checkered suit strolled

the golden boy everyone swooned over-and even now,

looks were all he

all, high school was

a bit arrogant, his eyes still held a

those same eyes glinted with calculation, and he radiated the smug energy of

as if they were

compliments with fake humility-"You're all too kind, really"—but his face was lit up

took you so long? We've

was just having a business

a few minutes ago, but calling it a

had heard Mr. Foster would be at the Grandeur Hotel today, so he'd shamelessly lingered nearby

he'd approached, Sean had been about to discuss the Eastborough Project and

reserved-Suite 107-but halfway there, he'd run into a server pushing an