Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 290

Brian reached out, wanting nothing more than to pull Claire into his arms and show her just how deeply he regretted everything he'd done.

But Claire recoiled, her expression twisted in disgust. The last thing she wanted was Brian's touch—just the thought of it made her skin crawl.

She tried to move away, but her injured legs wouldn't let her get far. Panic flickered in her eyes as Brian closed in, arms outstretched, ready to envelop her.

Suddenly, a strong, steady hand appeared out of nowhere, wrapping firmly around her waist. In one swift motion, she was pulled safely into another embrace—a warm chest scented faintly of cedar and tobacco. She barely had time to catch her breath before Sean, without a hint of mercy, landed a brutal kick that sent Brian sprawling across the floor.

"You think you can lay a hand on her?" Sean's voice was low, cold as steel.

Brian lay sprawled on the ground, face twisted in pain. He looked up at Claire, desperation flooding his expression. "Claire, please, I didn't mean to! I'm begging you, just forgive me!"

But Claire was already nestled in Sean's arms, face buried against his chest, breathing in the comforting scent that was uniquely his. Brian's words didn't even reach her. Her silence, her absolute refusal to even acknowledge him, sent Brian spiraling into despair.

He knew, with crushing certainty, that Claire would never forgive him. The girl he'd loved most in this world was lost to him forever.

Watching Claire and Sean so close, so at ease in each other's arms, made Brian's heart twist with agony.

He forced himself upright, rage burning in his eyes. "Let her go!" he shouted, voice cracking.

Sean didn't even bother to look at him. He just tightened his hold on Claire and started to lead her away.

Brian, wild with fury, charged after them, fist raised. "I said, let her go—!"

That was the last straw for Jarrod. He stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap across Brian's face. "Enough! Have you lost your mind? Are you not ashamed of yourself?"

Karin looked at her son in utter disappointment. "Brian, you've let us down. We can't even recognize you anymore."