Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 27

Ethan?

What on earth was he doing here?

The man standing before her was seething with anger, his presence like a cold, constricting serpent wrapping tightly around Claire.

Claire's face was etched with terror as she desperately struggled to free herself.

But Ethan's strength was astounding, his grip unyielding, refusing to let go.

His face was ashen, his teeth clenched, resembling a grim reaper. "It's late—where do you think you're going?" he demanded.

Claire barely registered his words; her only thought was escape. "Let me go!" she pleaded.

Ethan was like a mad beast, oblivious to Claire's struggles and resistance, forcefully dragging her away from the ticket barrier.

Her feet left long marks on the ground, her bag tumbling to the floor, scattering clothes and coins everywhere.

The disparity in strength between them was overwhelming; no matter how she struggled, she couldn't break free.

She felt as fragile as a fallen leaf, swept away by a powerful current, utterly powerless.

No, she couldn’t go back.

If the Linwood family pushed her towards Brian, with that man's ruthless ways, she wouldn't survive.

In her panic, she cried out to the crowd at the ticket gate, "I don't know him! He's a trafficker, help me!"

Claire's desperate cries echoed through the vast train station, instantly drawing the attention of the travelers.

Most hesitated, unsure of what to do.

But a few kind souls stepped forward to intervene, only to be halted by Ethan's authoritative voice, "She's my sister. We've had a family dispute, and she's trying to run away. Are you sure you want to interfere?"

The travelers wavered, uncertain.

Ethan was tall and commanding, dressed in a tailored black suit, exuding authority from head to toe.

Not just her, but every woman in the station, young and old alike, turned around at Claire's desperate cry of “Mom, help me.”

The woman swiftly positioned herself in front of Claire, forcefully prying Ethan's hands away and shouting, "What do you think you're doing! You can't take her!"

Ethan staggered back, a flash of anger crossing his face. "This is a family matter. Stay out of it."

The woman shielded Claire fiercely, like a mother hen with her chick, her gaze unwavering, "Family matter or not, I heard my daughter crying for help."

Ethan was in no mood to argue, lunging forward to grab Claire from the woman’s hold.

But in that moment, a group of women encircled Ethan.

"Looking all respectable, who would've thought you're a trafficker!"

"Traffickers deserve a beating. Get him!"

In that instant, the protective instincts of womanhood ignited, and they kicked and shoved at Ethan. Any chance he had of reaching Claire vanished amidst their fierce defense.