Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 459

Ethan and Vanessa had spotted them, too.

Ethan's lips curled in contempt. "What are a pair of social-climbing wannabes like you doing here?"

He glanced at Claire and Orion, eyes glittering with disdain. "Oh, I get it. You're hoping to cozy up to Northcrest's high society at the Tempest family's little princess's birthday bash, aren't you?"

He let out a cold laugh. "Makes sense. For people like you, even the scraps that fall from a real family's table would be enough to last you a lifetime."

"But don't get any ideas," Ethan sneered, stepping closer. "You won't get away with it today. Not with us here."

"And you think you can tell us to get lost?" He scoffed, puffing up with self- importance. "If anyone should leave, it's you."

Ethan's words were as nasty as ever, as if he'd completely forgotten how Orion had left him helpless the day before.

He strode over and grabbed Orion by the arm, trying to haul him toward the door. "You heard me get out! People like you drag down the whole reputation of this place. This is a five-star hotel, not a charity case for the likes of you."

Claire could feel her anger rising with every arrogant word. Ethan always did this -accusing others without knowing the facts, acting like he was judge and jury.

like this since they were kids,

couldn't stand that attitude, especially when he directed it at her brother. It was one thing for Ethan to pick on her, but to lay hands on

her hand and slapped him hard across

snapped to the side, and a bright red mark blossomed

go of my brother." Claire's glare was

too stunned to react. When he met Claire's furious gaze, his heart gave an

shrieking, "How dare you hit my

were faster. Another crisp slap landed on Vanessa's

of his daze. He released Orion and shoved Claire hard.

nearly falling, but Orion caught her just

"get out right now, or

the easy way Claire called him "brother"-made Ethan's blood boil. He couldn't explain it, but the anger

it," he snarled, lunging at

away. She had no intention of getting into a fight with the Linwoods, especially not today on her birthday. If she showed up to the party battered and bruised,

find their parents. Her

probably have security throw

not stoop to their level," Claire said quietly.