Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 411

He didn't even bother to filter his words-if anything, he raised his voice just for Claire's sake, eager to put her in her place right from the start.

Claire's cheeks flushed a deep red. She lowered her head, standing there awkwardly, unsure what to do with herself.

She didn't argue or try to explain. Instead, she simply trailed behind the others and got into the car, silent as a shadow.

During the whole ride, she sat perfectly still, as if any movement might provoke another round of scolding from him.

When they finally arrived home, Claire stood in front of the sprawling mansion, gazing up with awestruck eyes. For a moment, her face shone with wonder. "Is this really my new home? Am I really going to live in a place like this? Mom, Dad, Liam... I feel so happy, like I'm dreaming."

But he didn't spare her a shred of kindness. With a cold laugh, he sneered, "Look at you—so naïve, gawking at a house like you've never seen anything better. It's just a place to live, no need to get so worked up. Let's be clear, you came here for the money, didn't you? Well, let me tell you, this house belongs to my mother. Even if it ever gets signed over, it's going to Vanessa, not you. Don't get any ideas."

Claire's face went pale; a flicker of pain crossed her eyes.

She dropped her gaze, voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not here for the money.

I just wanted a family."

He scoffed, dismissing her words entirely, and said nothing more.

He watched as Claire stepped into the mansion, her small, fragile figure looking especially lonely in the sunlight.

In that moment, Ethan felt nothing for her-not a trace of pity, only icy indifference and contempt.

considered how much his words

in the cramped storage room where she used to sleep, Ethan leafed through her old diary. All those little

behind every smile Claire forced was a silent struggle,

time desperately trying to fit in, while he'd done nothing but put

tears slipping

pull himself

2007.

first day living with the

was Saturday, I got up early and

to fit in here. I hope they'll like

I never expected Vanessa would have an allergic

and my

ask what happened. They just scolded

there was

in

devastated. But I know it was my fault. If not for me,

me, I

believe... if I give them my

about me.

mind drifted back to