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,

her past life, what she longed for most was not

the Linwood household, no one had ever cared about her feelings. They'd hurt her whenever they pleased,

hadn't just lost respect-she'd lost every shred of dignity,

was finally receiving the

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

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

don't want to change your name? If you don't like it, we won't do

head, silent tears streaming down her

Tempest. I want to be a part of

must've suffered so much at that orphanage to be moved to tears so easily. She

her handkerchief

If your eyes get all puffy, you won't look nearly as lovely for

then looked up at Mrs. Tempest

her daughter smiling again, Mrs. Tempest

you something to nibble before the

so she wasn't hungry, but she was a

have