Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 293

Sophia's heart twisted in pain as she watched Garnett Brown, battered and bleeding. Instinctively, she rushed forward, desperate to help him—only for Liam to slam his boot straight into her stomach.

A wave of agony crashed over her. Sophia doubled over, clutching her abdomen, her body curling up on the floor as she writhed in pain. She could no longer stand.

Liam let out a cold snort and, without hesitation, ripped out a lock of Garnett's hair.

He strode over to Nathan next.

Nathan barely had time to flinch before Liam's icy voice cut him off. "You saw what happens to those who don't cooperate."

Nathan's body tensed. He knew resistance was pointless—why add to his suffering? With a grimace, he let Liam yank a strand from his head as well.

Lastly, there was Vanessa.

Sean's people had shaved her head not long ago, but by now, wispy tufts had started to grow along the sides. As Liam plucked a hair from her, Vanessa trembled uncontrollably, terror clouding her eyes.

Liam gathered the three strands and handed them to Victor.

"Dr. Lewis, I'll need your expertise."

Victor, who had just witnessed this entire ordeal, was left reeling. He hadn't imagined that the truth behind Claire being abandoned at the orphanage could be so brutal.

Claire was only twenty-three. From the day she was born, her life had been a relentless string of injuries and betrayals.

Nathan—what kind of monster could do this to his own flesh and blood? Unforgivable.

Of all the Linwoods, Claire was the only one who seemed remotely sane—and Victor had once sneered at her, treating her with nothing but contempt.

He already felt guilty toward Claire, but now, knowing the full, ugly truth, Victor hated himself even more.

Why had he believed Ethan and Vanessa's lies? Why didn't he trust his own judgment and see Claire for who she truly was?

Taking the hair, Victor said solemnly, "Give me one hour. I'll run the tests and bring you clear results."

He turned to leave, but suddenly felt someone clutching at his ankle. Looking down, he saw Sophia, still sprawled on the floor.

"Don't go!" she screamed, her voice ragged with desperation.