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."

Mr. Tempest's eyes were full of concern. "You've grown up, Claire, but you've gotten thinner. Did you not eat well at the institute?"

Orion chimed in quickly, "Let's get home. We'll take such good care of you that you'll be back to your healthy self in no time."

in Claire's heart. "Alright. Let's go

reached out her hand

smile. He extended his

the Tempests, Claire and Sean walked

so many things she wanted to say to Claire, but when the words rose to her lips, she couldn't speak them. In the end, she just stood there in silence,

stood off to the side, bitterness etched

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

more than just meeting for the first time. But the truth was, this was their

know who he was.

brilliant scientist, a rising star, admired by all. And

wealthy family, but they were just

knew he wasn't good enough

Vl

he understood that much about himself so why didn't Sean? The Foster family was in

more Brian thought about it, the more

disappear from sight,

out, "Claire, will we ever meet

knowing her

also understood he didn't stand much of

single-who could

future might bring? Maybe one day, Claire