Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 497

She wished she could pull Claire into a tight embrace, just like the rest of the Tempest family did.

But Claire hated her so much.

Even in her previous life, after Claire had gotten her revenge-having her locked away in a psychiatric hospital and left to suffer-Claire still refused to forgive her.

Adah's eyes brimmed with tears as she watched the four of them, a picture of warmth and happiness. Only now did she realize, with a sudden ache, that she had never once held Claire in her arms.

In that other life, when Claire returned to the Linwood family from the orphanage, Adah had worried about how Vanessa might feel, so she'd neglected Claire, even going so far as to show Vanessa affection right in front of her.

Now, in this life, even the simple act of hugging her own daughter had become an impossible luxury.

Adah drew in a shaky breath, refusing to let the tears fall.

She simply stood there, quietly watching her daughter being cherished by others.

It was a long while before Mr. Tempest, Mrs. Tempest, and Orion finally let go of Claire.

Mrs. Tempest stroked Claire's hair gently. "Eight years gone in a flash. Our little girl's grown into a young lady."

but you've gotten

in quickly, "Let's get home. We'll take such good care of you that you'll be back to your

warmth bloomed in Claire's heart.

out her hand

lips curled into a faint smile. He extended his long, slender

the Tempests, Claire and Sean walked out

to Claire, but when the words rose to her lips, she couldn't speak them. In

side, bitterness etched on

couldn't explain it, but he felt as if he and Claire shouldn't be strangers. Deep down, he sensed there

more than just meeting for the first time. But the truth

know who he was.

course. Claire was a brilliant scientist, a rising star, admired by all.

wealthy family, but they were just business people,

knew he wasn't good

Vl

why didn't Sean? The Foster family was in

about it, the more unsettled he