Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 449

Early morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bright and warm.

Claire stirred from sleep, slowly opening her eyes. The first thing she saw was Mrs. Tempest gazing at her with such fondness that it almost became tangible. That soft, motherly look-one filled with pure affection-was something Claire had never seen on Adah's face.

The moment Mrs. Tempest noticed Claire was awake, she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her daughter's rosy cheek and inhaling her sweet, milky scent.

"Good morning, darling," she said softly.

Claire couldn't help feeling a bit amused by her mother's habit of sniffing her, but she still replied sweetly, "Good morning, Mom."

Mrs. Tempest's heart melted at the sight of her daughter's sleepy, adorable face.

"My little angel, your birthday's tomorrow. Today, I'm taking you out to pick a few beautiful dresses. I want you to shine like a star, so when you walk into your birthday party, you'll be the prettiest little princess in Northcrest City."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, and Claire could tell Mrs. Tempest could barely wait to dress her up herself.

tomorrow, your father and I will announce to all our guests that you're officially our

mother's earnest, expectant gaze, Claire felt a warmth bloom in her

forgotten her

had one. Before she was fifteen, she'd lived in an orphanage—no one there ever celebrated her birthday. And during her three years with the Linwood family, the only birthday anyone remembered was Vanessa's. Every year, the Linwoods would throw Vanessa a lavish party, inviting all the most important people in Cresthaven. But no one remembered that Claire was the same age,

she finally had a birthday

quickly lowered her gaze, hiding her red-rimmed eyes.

thanks. From now on, your

now off you

to the bathroom, where she found her toothbrush already prepared. She washed her face and brushed her

start, Mrs. Tempest swooped in and took the

Claire. Let Mommy do your

heart warmed at the gesture, but she shook her head. "Mom, I can do it myself. The headmistress at the orphanage always said I should learn to take care of my

of

Tempest's face. She