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.

lay a hand on

chin was lifted defiantly, her eyes blazing with

in an

He pulled the girl into his arms, laughing and sobbing all at once, his behavior teetering

girl struggled against him. "Let go of

"Brian, help me!"

Ethan away, landing a punch squarely

"Get a grip!"

Ethan staggered, blood seeping

the corner of his mouth.

head slowly,

eyes burning with suppressed

lunged at Brian, fist flying. This time, his punch landed

away the blood from his own mouth,

into a brutal exchange of punches-neither

the side,

of them

the sharp click

A

stood nearby, watching the

spectacle unfold.

lips curled in