Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 169

Ethan took a deep breath, momentarily pushing down the overwhelming guilt he felt toward Claire.

With a steadying hand, he opened the desk drawer.

In an instant, a drawer full of certificates was revealed. Their vibrant red and gold colors stood out starkly in the dim, cluttered space, hitting him like a sledgehammer, leaving him speechless with shock.

His hand trembled uncontrollably as he reached for the certificates, carefully lifting them out one by one.

Twelve years' worth of accolades—six years of elementary school, three of middle school, and three of high school—unfolded before him like a silent documentary, narrating Claire’s brilliance and dedication.

Honor roll, outstanding student, exemplary class leader, academic competition awards—each certificate bore the weight of significant achievement.

These certificates felt like sharp knives, piercing deeply into his heart.

Behind each award lay Claire’s relentless effort and determination.

For twelve years, she had been the model student, admired by teachers and peers alike.

But after returning to the Linwood family?

She was labeled as deceitful, malicious, troublesome, and narrow-minded.

In the eyes of her family, she was even deemed inferior to the local delinquents.

The more Ethan looked at these certificates, the more he felt like a fool.

How had he not truly known Claire all these years, viewing her only through the lens of his prejudice?

His hands shook more violently, causing the certificates to rustle in his grip.

Unable to face the truth, he hastily shoved the thick stack back into the drawer, his breathing growing heavier.

Memories flooded his mind unbidden—his past distrust of Claire, letting her be misunderstood by their family, accusing her in court, her shock, her imprisonment, and his cold indifference.

Each recollection was a dagger, stabbing deep into his heart.

His body began to tremble uncontrollably, breath quickening and heavy, like a drowning man fighting for air.

Ethan felt the world spin around him, his eyes reddening and vision blurring.

“I ruined her… I destroyed her life…” Ethan whispered in agony, tears pouring down his face, dripping onto the acceptance letter and spreading rapidly.

His face was etched with regret and self-reproach, his strength drained, leaving him slumped in the chair, eyes vacant and desolate, as if his entire world had collapsed.

He realized the depth of his damage to Claire was far beyond what he had ever imagined, and these certificates and the acceptance letter were irrefutable evidence of his failure.

Ethan swayed, darkness creeping into his vision, nearly causing him to pass out.