Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 461

The scene unfolding before Claire was painfully familiar—almost a mirror image of that moment in her past life, when she'd been framed and had no way to defend herself. Once again, Vanessa pinned the blame on her, as if she were born to bear the brunt of other people's crimes.

But this time, there was one crucial difference. Instead of Nathan standing at Vanessa's side, it was Ethan.

Claire's heart clenched as she balled her fists, forcing herself to meet Ethan's gaze.

Last time, Ethan hadn't known the truth. He'd only heard Vanessa's version of events and, without hesitation, had taken the stand to give false testimony against Claire. His words had sent her straight to prison.

But this time, he'd seen it all with his own eyes-Vanessa pushing Cordelia down the stairs. Claire wondered what he would say now, confronted by the truth.

Ethan stood frozen, shock written all over his face.

In his mind, Vanessa had always been the sweet, lovable little sister-a girl who could do no wrong. He would never have imagined she'd push someone down the stairs, and then try to frame someone else for it.

Meeting Claire's cold, searching eyes, Ethan felt a wave of guilt he couldn't quite explain. It was as if he'd wronged her deeply before, even though they'd only met twice in their lives.

As Ethan struggled to find his footing, Vanessa suddenly grabbed his arm, panic etched across her face. "Ethan, please help me. I'm scared. I didn't mean to do it."

"Help you? How am I supposed to help you?" Ethan stammered.

"It's just the three of us here. If you say it was her who pushed Cordelia, everyone will

searching for a trace of the sister he thought he knew. When had

up inside him, but after all, she was the Linwood family's darling—the golden child he'd

and pointed at her. "I can testify. It was you who

that followed was absolute-so thick it

his mouth, Ethan seemed to shrink, all strength draining out of him. He dropped his gaze, unable to look at Claire again. He was terrified of meeting her eyes, of seeing the hatred he was sure

wasn't

Vanessa's side, and that in the

vermet

she'd already let go of

mocking smile tugged

scene, the same accusation-but her

had, shaking her head, sobbing, screaming that

point in struggling or arguing. She knew one thing for

Claire who'd been bullied and left to fend for

Claire Tempest now. And

Ethan and Vanessa, then suddenly let out a