Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 423

Ethan didn't hesitate for a second. "Not for sale," he said flatly.

He brushed past Brian and started toward the house.

Brian grabbed his arm, desperate. "Name your price. How much do you want?"

Ethan shook off Brian's grip, his voice cold. "I don't want your money. I'm not selling the house. Please leave."

The truth was, Ethan longed for anything that might bring him closer to Claire. Claire was gone. If he sold the house, he'd lose the last piece of her he had left. Especially that small storage room where Claire had spent three years the place he'd once looked down on, barely stepping inside. Now, he wished he could live there himself, to truly feel what Claire had endured.

Maybe then, he thought, he could begin to atone for his sins.

Brian blocked his path, frustration simmering. "You've got a criminal record. You'll never find a decent job with that hanging over you. How are you supposed to make a living?"

"Ethan, I'm offering you a way out. Take the money. You could live comfortably for the rest of your life. All I want is the house."

No matter what Brian said, Ethan wouldn't budge.

"Get out!" Ethan suddenly shoved Brian away, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Even if I die, I'll die in this house."

Brian stumbled backward, nearly losing his balance.

Just then, a car door swung open, and a girl in a white dress stepped out. Before Ethan could react, she marched up and slapped him hard across the face.

you lay a hand on

lifted defiantly, her eyes blazing with

looked at the girl's face, his expression changed in an instant. His

Claire, you finally came back to see me. I knew you weren't really gone." He pulled the girl into his arms, laughing and sobbing all at once, his

"Let go of me, you lunatic! Who are

"Brian, help me!"

Ethan away,

"Get a grip!"

Ethan staggered, blood seeping

the corner of his

head slowly,

his eyes burning with suppressed

flying. This time, his punch landed square on

away the blood from his

fell into a brutal

stood to the side, frantic. "Stop it!

neither of

the sharp click

across the driveway. A woman in a crimson

stood nearby, watching the

spectacle unfold.

cold, lips curled in a