Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

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."

A gentle warmth bloomed in Claire's heart. "Alright. Let's go home."

She reached out her hand to Sean. "Sean."

Sean's lips curled into a faint smile. He extended his long, slender fingers and took Claire's hand in his.

Surrounded by the Tempests, Claire and Sean walked out of the hospital together.

Adah had 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, watching them go.noveldrama

Brian stood off to the side, bitterness etched on his face.

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

them something more than just meeting for the first time. But the truth was, this was their first encounter, and Claire didn't even

know who he was.

Of course. Claire was a brilliant scientist, a rising star, admired by all. And him?

He might come from a wealthy family, but they were just business people, after all.

He knew he wasn't good enough to

Vl

hope for anything more with someone like Claire. At least he understood that much about himself so why didn't Sean? The Foster family was in business too. What made Sean Foster so deserving of Claire's attention?

The more Brian thought about it, the more unsettled he felt.

As Claire was about to disappear from sight, he finally mustered the courage to

call out, "Claire, will we ever meet again?"

Irene, knowing her brother liked

Claire, also understood he didn't stand much of a chance. But they

were both single-who could samet

what the future might bring? Maybe one day, Claire would become her sister-in-law.

Irene flashed a bright, infectious smile. Petite and adorable, with two little dimples and pearly white teeth, she radiated sunshine whenever she grinned.

"Claire, you're my brother's idol. He's always wanted to meet you, and now that he finally has, he's over the moon. He'd love to be your friend. Do you think he stands a chance?"

Claire paused, glancing at Irene.

In her previous life, if it hadn't been for Irene's sudden appearance, she would have been the one pushed down the stairs. Irene had taken that disaster in her place. For that, Claire couldn't simply ignore her.