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.

here. If you say it was her who pushed Cordelia, everyone will believe

he must have misheard. He stared at Vanessa, searching for a trace of the

but after all, she was the Linwood family's darling—the golden child he'd watched grow up. Was he really going

eyes turned steely as he looked at Claire. He raised a finger and pointed at her.

followed was absolute-so thick it felt

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

wasn't

that Ethan would always take Vanessa's side, and that in the eyes

vermet

let go of

tugged

the same accusation-but her heart was

fought with everything she had, shaking her head, sobbing, screaming that

was no point in struggling or arguing. She knew one thing for certain: the Tempest family would

helpless, unwanted Claire who'd been bullied and left

was Claire Tempest now. And she wouldn't

Vanessa, then suddenly let