Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 524

She'd survived years in the orphanage without ever developing stomach problems, but after joining the Linwood family, she fell ill.

Claire had always pretended she didn't know about her own condition, but in truth, she was well aware—she just chose to ignore it, never letting anyone see that she was hurting.

She remembered one night clearly: Ethan had one of his usual bouts of stomach pain.

Whenever Ethan was sick, it was always Claire who rushed around, tending to his every need.

That night was no different. Claire took care of Ethan as she always did.

Later, when Adah got up in the night, she happened to catch sight of Claire, exhausted, collapsed on the couch in the living room, quietly taking the same medicine Ethan used for his stomach.

It was only then that Adah realized Claire was sick too.

Adah had always thought that a girl who grew up in a place like an orphanage must be tough-what was a stomachache to someone like her? Nothing she couldn't handle.

But now, she understood: being able to endure suffering just meant there was always more suffering waiting.

In her previous life, Claire had endured so much. Far too much.

And now, it was Adah's turn to experience this gnawing pain for herself.

"We're going home."

"Mom, you're this sick. You should let Claire know. She's your daughter, after all." Adah gave a bitter smile. "When Claire was so sick she couldn't get out of bed, not a single person in the Linwood family cared about her."

Ethan fell silent, unable to find a single word in response.

hospital, mother and son returned to

Adah had thrown herself into work, believing that only by keeping busy could she

in the villa, never lacking

illness strikes like a landslide. As soon as she got home, Adah collapsed

all her

shouldn't you leave something for

to? But I know Claire would never accept it. She's been waiting for the day she can cut all ties

I'm leaving

If

ever forgives you, you

share

hers."

"Okay," Ethan replied quietly.

The days slipped by.

months passed in a

ravaged by stomach cancer. She grew gaunt, her frame

a shadow of her

from falling as

right now. Hang in there. I promise

strength to grip his hand. Her voice was barely audible. "Don't go. I don't want her to see me like this. It

if Ethan went to find Claire,

wanted was to keep the last shred of

Her eyes grew cloudy.

Your mother is dying, and you still

I blame you? I