Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 287

No one except the Fosters understood what Sean meant by that remark.

But that wasn't the point.

Karin and Irene both whipped their heads around at nearly the same instant, their eyes blazing with fury as they landed on Vanessa.

In stark contrast, Nathan's tense shoulders finally relaxed the moment he saw his beloved daughter step out of the holding cell. He let out a long, relieved breath.

It seemed that his reputation as chairman of the Linwood Group still carried weight—enough that even Sean wouldn't dare cross him.

Nathan gazed at Vanessa, his eyes filled with paternal affection. But then he noticed her shaven head, and a surge of rage overtook him. He erupted, "Vanessa, who did this to you? Tell me, sweetheart. I swear I'll make them pay. They'll regret ever laying a hand on the Linwood family's only daughter."

But Vanessa stood frozen the moment she saw Irene, as if someone had cast a spell on her. Terror flickered in her eyes.

When she met the burning, resentful glares of Jarrod, Karin, and Irene, her heart skipped a beat. Irene must have revealed what really happened five years ago.

Suddenly, it was as if some invisible hand had gripped her throat—she couldn't force out a single word.

"Don't be afraid, Vanessa. Tell me, and I'll make sure they pay for what they've done to you," Nathan coaxed.

But before Vanessa could respond, a cold, low voice interrupted—Sean's.

"That was me," Sean said, his tone icy. "What are you planning to do about it, Mr. Linwood?"

Nathan went rigid, staring at Sean in disbelief.

Sean lounged lazily on the sofa, his long legs crossed carelessly, his posture nonchalant yet exuding a natural, effortless nobility.

He looked every inch the predator toying with his prey—aloof, untouchable, a man above all others.

Though he sat, his gaze seemed to look down from on high, as if he were surveying the world from a mountain peak: detached, calm, yet commanding respect without ever raising his voice.

And that look in his eyes—as if he were staring at something utterly worthless.

No matter how self-important Nathan usually felt, in that moment, doubt crept into his mind. Had Sean really released Vanessa from the holding cell out of deference to him?