Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 23

Claire looked calmly at Vanessa.

Even before Claire could make any move, Vanessa appeared terrified, her body trembling as she took several steps back, her face pale. "Sister, please don’t look at me with such resentment. I’m scared."

Nathan angrily pushed Claire aside and shouted, "What are you planning to do to Vanessa?"

Claire staggered backward, losing her balance and nearly toppling over the railing on the second floor. No one seemed to care.

Nathan and Adah stood protectively around Vanessa, eyeing Claire with suspicion.

Ethan opened his mouth, ready to scold Claire, but the words caught in his throat as he recalled the hardships she endured in prison. He couldn't bring himself to speak those hurtful words.

Claire's expression was cold and indifferent, but the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her sarcasm.

This was her family.

The moment Vanessa showed even a hint of distress, Claire became the target of their accusations.

There was a time when their slightest glance or word could sway her emotions.

Now, it no longer mattered. Facing their misunderstandings, her heart remained calm and unperturbed, devoid of any emotional turmoil.

She didn't bother to explain and lowered her gaze.

Her indifferent demeanor, as if nothing they said could reach her, pained Ethan deeply. He couldn't help but ask, "Did you hurt yourself? Does it hurt?"

Claire looked up in surprise, unable to reconcile this concerned Ethan with the one who often mocked her.

How strange it felt, she thought, that his slight concern now seemed unfamiliar.

"It doesn’t hurt." The pain of a bruise was nothing compared to a broken leg.

"Did you... hear everything just now?"

Claire hesitated at first, realizing what he was referring to, and then gave a faint nod.

And that was it. No further explanation.

Was that all?

He had terminated a major deal with the Cole Corporation to stand up for her, causing both Cole Corporation and The Linwood Group to lose a billion overnight.