Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 427

She had no intention of hiding her brilliance.

In fact, she went out of her way to showcase her remarkable intellect-she was determined to leave the orphanage before her fifteenth birthday.

In her previous life, she'd dreamed of becoming a teacher, shaping young minds and nurturing generations to come.

But this time around, that dream no longer appealed to her.

Brian had been right-wasting her talent by not going into research would be a real shame.

If she wanted the people at the very top to notice her, she had to prove she was leagues ahead of everyone else.

Only by becoming someone utterly out of reach for the Linwood family could she ever hope to protect herself.

After all, with the Linwood family's reach, she'd never be able to escape their grasp no matter where she ran.

But if she joined a research institute and became a top-tier scientist invaluable to the country, even the Linwood family would have to think twice before trying anything.

A cold, determined smile played at Claire's lips.

In this life, she wouldn't let anyone hurt her again.

As long as she stayed away from the Linwoods, Mandy wouldn't be warped by her presence-she could spare them both.

Claire was resolute: she'd save herself, and she'd save Mandy, too.

With her mind made up, she attacked her studies with even greater determination.

academic prodigy, kindergarten and elementary

time she was two, she'd finished the entire

caregivers, and even the teachers could only stare at

they'd

real surprises were

everything taught in junior high-at only three years

she'd devoured the

competing in science competitions, sweeping first prize

the orphanage, but people

mastered high school material at an age when most children

were the perfect way

competitor, which ensured she stood out and received special

had taken her college entrance exams

years old, she sat for the

letter, she continued living at the

she hadn't allowed herself a

she'd been a gifted student before, she'd never stopped working

finally, the exams were over, and she found herself with

Claire strolled through the orphanage

was because

been so mature for

other

distance. Not that Claire

eager

close to anyone.