Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 419

He had made plenty of mistakes back then-no one could deny that.

But that was a decade ago.

Time dulls even the sharpest pain, or so people say. Besides, he'd spent ten years behind bars, paying off his debt to society in full.

Claire was so kind-hearted. Ethan believed that if he apologized sincerely, she'd find it in herself to forgive him.

Clinging to that hopeful thought, Ethan returned home.

He barely slept a wink that night. His mind kept replaying memories of Claire, each moment of pain he'd caused her now a thorn lodged deep in his heart.

Again and again, he told himself: Tomorrow, I'll do better. No matter what it takes, I'll make Claire forgive me.

Claire was soft-hearted. Surely, after hearing he'd spent ten years in prison and seeing the state he was in now, she'd let the past go.

The next morning, Ethan got up early. He stood in front of the mirror, carefully straightening his suit and knotting his tie, even spritzing on a trace of cologne.

He wanted to look respectable-after all, this was the first time he'd see Claire in ten years. He needed to make a good impression.

Taking a deep breath, he finally stepped out the door.

When he arrived at the Foster estate, a security guard stopped him at the gate. Ethan frowned, impatience edging into his voice. "Step aside."

didn't budge, only

what Sean

scene-if he did,

frustration and

by, his patience wearing thinner by

after what seemed like an eternity,

Amara

dress, her picture of

a neat ponytail et She

the

a girl.

suit, exuding an

hurried over, anxiety making his voice sharp. "Where are you going? Weren't you supposed to let me see Claire

his tone leaving no room for

see Claire, get

flicker of hope lit inside Ethan. He quickly opened the door and slid

that he noticed the car was filled with flowers.

meeting in a decade. Maybe Claire had arranged

nice—sharing a meal, talking things over,

the car ride, watching the