Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 462

But in this life, Claire had a family who truly loved her and she had the security footage to prove her innocence.

The Celestial Aerie was the only seven-star hotel in Northcrest City, owned by someone with serious power and influence. There was no way the Linwoods could have pulled off erasing any footage from a place like that—not with their limited connections.

This time, for once, the upper hand was hers.

With a mocking smile, Claire taunted, "My parents and my brother adore me. So tell me, what do you think will happen to the Linwood family when they find out you tried to frame me?"

Vanessa looked anxious, but stubborn pride kept her from backing down. "Your family's just a bunch of nouveau riche. We Linwoods aren't scared of you."

Claire's smile only grew sharper. "Maybe you don't even know my full name yet. I'm Claire Tempest. As in, the Tempest family-one of the four founding families of Northcrest City."

Ethan and Vanessa both stared at her in shock, their disbelief plain as day.

Claire had no desire to waste another second on them. She needed to find her mom-if her mother came back with water and found her missing, she'd be worried sick.

Just as Claire turned to leave, she heard footsteps approaching.

They drew closer, finally stopping right beside her.

She turned—and met the striking gaze of Sean, his eyes shining like stars. He reached out and gently took her hand.

Claire felt a little awkward. "Sean... did you, um, hear everything we just said?"

lightly. "Claire, just letting them off the hook like that isn't enough. They tried

leading her up the stairway step

met Sean's calm, icy stare, their knees starting

ten years old, but the pressure he exuded was suffocating.

Ethan and Vanessa,

even old enough for

eyes went wide with panic. "W-what

a smile, but there was no warmth in

him completely off guard,

crashing hard onto the landing-right next to

Sean wasn't finished. He kicked

down, her head hitting the steps

to be prosecuted. You two are too So if the

just have to deliver justice myself.

it so lightly, but every word was

at Sean,

think he'd been cruel. All she

admiration for his

past life, she'd

protect

еч