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

what she longed for most was not just

feelings. They'd hurt her whenever they pleased, shouted at her,

just lost respect-she'd lost every shred of dignity, ground into the

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

Tempests, though, gave her all the respect and sense of belonging she could

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

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

silent tears streaming down her

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

be moved to tears so easily. She was determined that their family would

out her handkerchief and

all puffy, you won't look nearly as

Mrs. Tempest with a

see her daughter

you something to nibble

of noodles for breakfast, so she wasn't hungry,

I have some water,