Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 192

**A few steps forward, her voice icy cold, "Give it back to me."**

Vanessa could tell that whatever was in her hand meant a great deal to Claire. She suspected it was a gift Claire intended to give to Aberdeen.

That gave Vanessa all the more reason not to return it.

Out of Brian's sight, her long nails dug mercilessly into the embroidery, her eyes taunting Claire.

Claire saw the embroidery nearly mangled by Vanessa's nails, and fury surged through her.

She could no longer hold back. She lunged at Vanessa, and a scuffle ensued.

Vanessa screamed, her voice tinged with tears, "Brian, help me!"

Brian thought Claire had lost her mind. He grabbed her arm, forcibly pulling her away.

"Brian, you jerk, let me go!"

No matter how Claire struggled, it was futile. Brian dragged her into a nearby room.

"Bang!"

The door slammed shut as Brian pressed Claire against it.

"Claire, have you lost it?"

Brian's voice was low and menacing, his face inches from hers.

Claire was breathing heavily, trembling with rage. She glared at Brian, her eyes ablaze with anger. "Let go of me!"

Brian didn't loosen his grip. He held her wrists tightly, a warning in his eyes. "What exactly are you trying to do?"

Claire's breaths gradually steadied, her gaze turning cold and resolute.

She lifted her head, locking eyes with Brian. "Brian, I should be asking you that. What are you trying to do?"

"I was wrongfully imprisoned for five years. You robbed me of my education, my health, my future.

I've become this shadow of a person because of you and the Linwood family.

What right do you have to question me about my actions?

All I want is to stay as far away from you people as possible. Is that too much to ask?"

Brian's eyes flickered, a hint of pain visible beneath them.

Yes.

He wanted to clip her wings, to keep her brilliance from shining.

Only if she was ordinary could she belong solely to him.

And only if she became ordinary could he feel worthy of her, keeping her by his side, ensuring she'd stay home after marriage, raising children, confined to his sphere.

He never wanted her to become the top talent her teachers spoke of!

Struck at his most vulnerable, Brian only wanted to silence her.

He abruptly leaned down, capturing Claire's lips with a forceful kiss.

In an instant, all of Claire's words were swallowed by Brian.

His kiss was wild and domineering, as if he was pouring years of guilt, longing, and defiance into that single moment.

No matter what he had done, it was all for her.

Claire was left stunned, her mind blank from his sudden move, eyes wide with disbelief.