Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 432

Her eyelids grew heavy, and before long, she drifted off to sleep.

Several hours later, the car glided quietly into Northcrest City.

Still fast asleep, Claire only began to stir when someone gently lifted her. As she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Mr. Tempest's handsome face looming close, his features soft with affection.

"Is Claire awake?" Mr. Tempest murmured, pausing mid-motion as he tried to cradle her gently in his arms. He moved with such care, as if afraid even the slightest jostle might wake her-but, despite his efforts, Claire was already awake.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Mr. Tempest's mind. Why did she have to wake up so soon?

His brand-new daughter looked so adorably small and soft, like a marshmallow. He imagined how wonderful it would feel to hold her-so different from his eldest son, who was all angles and stubbornness and not the least bit cuddly.

Just as he reached for another chance to snuggle his precious girl, Claire sat up and, ever the polite child, held up a tiny hand to stop him.

"Daddy, I can walk by myself."

With that, Claire hopped out of the car, beaming up at Mr. Tempest with a bright, expectant smile, as if to say, Look at me, Dad! Aren't I amazing?

Mr. Tempest blinked, caught between laughter and resignation. So much for hugging his sweet daughter.

He mustered a chuckle. "Amazing. Our Claire is the best."

took her left hand, while Mrs.

the three of them strolled toward the villa,

all but forgotten, was Orion, his small face set in a serious expression as he

back. "Come

lit up Orion's eyes. The tight line of his

little sister

lied: his sister was as adorable and sweet as promised, and he already loved

Claire was stunned. The Tempest family was far wealthier than she

yel

understated elegant style that spoke of old money-rich mahogany, gleaming oak, and classic furnishings everywhere she

living room alone boasted a set of antique couches worth a small fortune, and that

she looked, there were rare woods and custom details the kind of craftsmanship that cost more than most

her past life, what

dazed, Mrs. Tempest led her upstairs and

dreamy, sunlit space decorated in every shade of pink-a princess's room, just

the windows, bathing everything in a

just for you. Do you like it?"

spacious-easily three times the size of any she'd ever

at the Linwood house. They hadn't even bothered to prepare a