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.

meet them again someday—but she'd never expected

ever, even younger than Claire remembered. Though she was in her thirties, her flawless skin

imposing man he would become, but that proud, aloof expression

long hair styled in a bun adorned with

Ethan had brought Vanessa during their trip to

Claire herself had

in the orphanage.

own new clothes-and

what it meant

vacation.

forced down the wave of hatred that threatened to surge up

was still too young. As

come looking

set aside the

of

life-for now. Co

sofa, saying nothing, refusing even to glance at

she stayed out of their way didn't

petulant voice cut through the store: "Why doesn't this giant mall

She pouted, clearly displeased.