Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 412

Claire's eyes were red and brimming with tears as she shook her head desperately. "No, I didn't... I swear, I didn't..."

But he cut her off without the slightest hint of compassion. “Don't call me your brother. I don't have a sister as twisted as you. To me, Vanessa's my only sister now."

He didn't even seem to notice Claire's blood-streaked hands. Instead, he gathered up the allergic, barely conscious Vanessa and, with their parents in tow, rushed her to the hospital. They didn't return until late that evening.

By the time they came back, the dining room had already been cleaned, and Claire was waiting for them, curled up on the living room sofa.

As soon as they walked in, she stood up to greet them, her concern for Vanessa genuine. "How is Vanessa? Did the doctor say she's alright?"

But her brother only accused her of putting on an act.

Their father's face was cold and unforgiving. "If you really feel sorry for Vanessa, then prove it-kneel here all night. Anyone can mouth empty apologies, but actions show sincerity. If you can't bring yourself to kneel, then leave. Go back to the orphanage. The Linwood family won't keep someone so cruel they'd even hurt their own sister."

she bit back her tears and slowly sank

barely above a whisper. "Dad, Mom, I know I

a shred of pity. He just said coldly, "You're just putting on a

that, he turned and

bed, Claire

he found Claire collapsed on the living room floor. Her

our sympathy? You learned plenty of manipulative tricks in the orphanage, didn't you? I'm the CEO of Linwood Group-I can see right through

want to play the part, then go all the way. Someone,

It rained that day.

out into the yard, left in the downpour for over an hour. Only when May, unable to bear it any longer, pleaded on her behalf did

from that night in the rain. She'd always been frail; kneeling all night had weakened her even more. The pneumonia go worse, turning into a dangerous lung infection, and the hospital

frantic then, bringing in