Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 183

Adah's slap carried the weight of a storm, leaving no room for civility towards Claire. In front of a room full of guests, she intended to teach Claire a harsh lesson.

The crowd erupted in disbelief, the previously calm atmosphere turning tense. Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on Claire, waiting for the slap to land.

But before Adah's hand could strike, Liam, who stood beside Claire, swiftly intercepted and grasped her wrist, forcefully flinging her hand aside. Off balance, Adah stumbled backward, nearly falling, eliciting gasps from the onlookers.

Humiliated in front of everyone, Adah's face burned with embarrassment. She stared at Claire with disbelief, as if betrayed by someone she once trusted, filled with anger and denial.

Claire, however, returned her gaze with an icy detachment. Her eyes held no trace of concern for the woman who was supposed to be her mother. Instead, they were cold, treating Adah as if she were a stranger of no significance.

This indifference pierced Adah's heart deeply. She had expected Claire to be remorseful, frightened, or even to break down and admit the mistake of leaving home. But instead, Claire was calm, composed, and unfazed.

Adah stood frozen, her expression one of sheer incredulity. She could manage not to love Claire, but she couldn't accept the idea that Claire no longer loved her. Claire, who once desperately sought her mother's affection, was now indifferent.

Her voice trembled as she pointed at Claire, choking on her words, "Claire, how could you just let him do that to me? I am your mother!"

Claire's gaze hardened, filled with a chilling disdain. The thought of her own mother slandering her was repulsive. "Worried about me?" Claire scoffed. "Mrs. Linwood, spare me the pretense."

"When I was with the Linwood family, you all did nothing but belittle and abuse me. And when I was imprisoned, you couldn't distance yourselves fast enough. Now, you claim to be concerned? It's laughable."

Claire stood tall, her pink gown enhancing her regal presence, a stark contrast to the submissive girl she once was. Her transformation was undeniable, and she was no longer the Claire who could be easily trampled upon.