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.

how much his words might have

leafed through her old diary. All those little details he'd ignored before

every smile Claire forced

spent all that time desperately trying to fit in, while he'd done nothing

was wrong," Ethan whispered, tears slipping down his cheeks before he could

time to pull himself together and turn

13th, 2007. Saturday.

was my first day living with

Saturday, I got up early and made

here. I hope

never expected Vanessa would have an allergic reaction after breakfast― her skin

and my

happened. They just scolded me, hard. The way

was

disgust in their

If not for me, Vanessa wouldn't

they yelled at me, I didn't say a word in

give them my whole heart, someday they'll change their

about me.

back to that