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.

hearing those words, was deeply

what she longed for most was not just

hurt her whenever they pleased,

had been even worse. She hadn't just lost respect-she'd lost every shred of dignity, ground

at only five years old, she was finally

wouldn't bother with a child's opinion. The Tempests, though, gave her all the

threw her arms around Mrs. Tempest's neck

startled, quickly asked, "Honey, why are you crying? Is it because you don't want to change your name? If

head, silent tears

want to be Claire Tempest. I want to be a part of this

suffered so much at that orphanage to be moved to tears so easily. She was determined that their family would make it up to

pulled out her handkerchief and

puffy, you won't look nearly as lovely for

then looked up at Mrs. Tempest with a bright, watery

daughter smiling

thirsty? Hungry? Let me get you something to

had eaten a bowl of noodles for breakfast, so she wasn't hungry, but she

have some water,