Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 451

"Thank you!" Claire beamed up at the clerk, her cherubic face practically glowing. The clerk felt her heart melt at the little girl's sweet manners and adorable smile. Didn't the government encourage families to have more children these days? Honestly, if every child were like this one, it would be every woman's dream. Well- behaved, polite, and absolutely precious-one would never feel it was too many, no matter how many there were. The more, the merrier.

Claire's mother and brother had picked out more than a hundred outfits for her to try on. She'd changed again and again without a single complaint or tear, waiting patiently each time. In nearly ten years of working in children's boutiques, the clerk had never met another child quite like her.

Smiling to herself, the clerk went to fetch Claire a drink.

Just then, the bell above the door jingled, and three people walked in.

The woman was dressed head-to-toe in designer brands, her poise and style unmistakably upper-class. She carried a Louis Vuitton purse on one arm, while her other hand held a little girl of about five. The girl's free hand was gripped by a boy who looked around ten.

The family of three was strikingly attractive, their confidence radiating from within.

"Vanessa, take a look around and see if you like anything," the woman said warmly. "Whatever you want, Mommy will buy it for you."

"Our little princess deserves all the prettiest dresses here," the boy chimed in. "I'll buy every fairy dress in the store for Vanessa if I could."

"Wow, this place is huge!" Vanessa exclaimed. "It's even bigger than the biggest kids' store in Cresthaven."

Claire's ears pricked up at the familiar voices. She turned, and her heart skipped a beat as her gaze landed on the newcomers.

It was Adah, Ethan, and Vanessa.

down, that she'd meet them again someday—but she'd never expected

remembered. Though she was in her thirties, her flawless skin and elegant

he would become, but that proud, aloof

Linwood family's little princess. Dressed in a puffed tulle dress, her long hair styled

Ethan had brought Vanessa during their trip to Northcrest City

Claire

living in

own new

meant to

vacation.

forced down the wave of hatred that threatened to surge up inside her, tearing

was still too young. As long

didn't come

set aside the

of

past life-for now.

the sofa, saying nothing,

just because she stayed out of their way didn't mean others would

the store: "Why doesn't this giant mall have any

She pouted, clearly displeased.