Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 458

As Claire drifted into her thoughts, Mrs. Tempest spoke up again.

"But there's still some time before your birthday party begins. Why don't I take you to the lounge to rest for a while? When it's time, we'll come back."

"Okay, Mom."

Claire, Mrs. Tempest, and Orion made their way toward the lounge together.

Once inside, Mrs. Tempest turned to Claire with a solemn expression. "Claire, sweetheart, there's something I'd like your opinion on."

Claire looked puzzled. "What is it?"

She was only five-what could possibly require her input?

"Claire, you're part of the Tempest family now. After today, everyone in Northcrest's high society will know that you're my daughter. So, I was thinking of changing your last name to Tempest. You'd be Claire Tempest from now on. What do you think?"

Frankly, the Tempests didn't really need to consult a five-year-old about

something like this. But out of respect for their child, they truly cared what Claire thought.

Mrs. Tempest's face was full of hope and nervous anticipation.

words,

what she longed for most was not just love, but

feelings. They'd hurt her whenever they

prison had been even worse. She hadn't just lost respect-she'd lost every

five years old, she was finally receiving the respect she'd always dreamed

with a child's opinion. The Tempests, though, gave her all the respect and sense of belonging

tears, Claire threw her arms around Mrs. Tempest's neck in a

asked, "Honey, why are you crying? Is it because you don't want to change

head, silent tears streaming down her

Tempest. I want to be a part of this family. I'm just...

poor child must've suffered so much at that orphanage to be moved to tears so easily. She was determined that their family would make it up to her

her handkerchief and tenderly

If your eyes get all puffy, you

Mrs. Tempest with a bright, watery

daughter

Let me get you something to nibble before the party

so she

I have some