Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

"Absolutely. The application of this technology puts our country at least a hundred years ahead of the rest of the world."

"A hundred years? That's an understatement. Give the rest of the world two hundred years and they still might not crack the secret of holographic technology."

Online forums were flooded with praise for Claire.

Some users even unearthed the story of how Marina had hired thugs to kidnap her.

"Seriously, has Marina lost her mind? She actually dared to kidnap a scientist?"

"Isn't she dating Orion? Why would she go after his sister?"

"Rumor has it she thought Claire was a romantic rival and tried to get her out of the picture. Turns out, it was all a misunderstanding—she kidnapped Orion's sister by mistake."

"This Marina is too much. How do you go around kidnapping people without even knowing the full story?"

"It's just a misunderstanding. As long as the Tempest family doesn't press charges, Marina should be fine."

"Claire's a scientist, though. It's not just up to the Tempest family to let it go."

And that was true. Even though Claire hadn't been physically harmed during the kidnapping, Marina, her assistant, and the hired criminals were each sentenced to ten years in prison-a remarkably heavy punishment.

None of this concerned Claire in the slightest.

She was only home from the institute for a short break.noveldrama

In a month, she'd have to return to her research.

During her time off, Claire spent nearly every day with her family and with Sean.

Daisy, her best friend, wrapped her arm around Claire's shoulders, reluctant to let her go. "Come on, Claire! You're finally home-don't you think you should stay a little longer? One month isn't enough."

Claire sighed, "There's still so much work waiting for me at the lab."

Daisy pouted, but then her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Work is important, sure. But..." She winked at Claire. "Shouldn't you take this month to finally make things official with Sean?"

York chimed in, "Claire, have you ever considered me? Seriously, we grew up together! Why does Sean, the human icicle, get all your affection?"

Zachary added with a grin, "You could give me a shot too, you know."

Before Claire could respond, Sean swept her into his arms, possessive and tender all at once.

He didn't quite understand it himself. He and Claire hadn't spent much time together, yet he felt this overwhelming need to claim her as his own.

"Claire, you're mine," he said, locking eyes with her. "Let's get engaged."

He knew that once they were engaged, no one else could try to take her from him.

Claire's cheeks flushed instantly.

She'd loved Sean in her past life.

But back then, she was deaf and struggled to walk. She'd never felt good enough for him, no matter how hard her grandmother tried to bring them together. She'd always kept her distance, heart aching

But things were different now. She was healthy. She had no

dysfunctional family dragging her down. The people around her foved her She was no longer that broken, insecure girl from her past life.

She was Claire-the cherished youngest daughter of the Tempest family.

She was finally worthy of Sean.

Meeting his eyes, Claire smiled. "Sean, what if I told you I wanted to marry you in my last life? Would you believe me?"

Daisy burst out laughing. "Wow, Claire! You've been crushing on Sean so long, you're bringing in past lives now? You really are a smooth talker."

Claire rolled her eyes. She was telling the truth, but no one seemed to believe her.

"I believe you," Sean said, his voice unwavering.

York and Zachary exchanged glances, both a little embarrassed but genuinely happy for their friends.

It was obvious now-Sean truly loved Claire, enough to take her every word to heart.

No wonder Claire was so devoted to him.

York raised an imaginary glass.

"Even

of us,

ough Claire didn't pick either

still wish you two a

lifetime of happiness together, Sean. No hard feelings." fo