Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 396

The child stubbornly shook her head, shrinking even closer to Mandy’s side. Her small face was etched with terror. “They all look so mean. I don’t want to go over there—I want to stay with you, Aunt Mandy. You just promised you’d take me to find my mom. I don’t want to go with the police.”

Mandy couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. They spilled down her cheeks in hot, silent streams.

She never expected Claire’s daughter to cling to her like this, not after meeting her for the very first time.

The thought both warmed and broke her heart.

“Sweetheart, you have to listen,” Mandy whispered gently.

“No!” The girl wailed, her cries muffling against Mandy’s shirt. The sound sliced through the tense air, raw and piercing. “I only want Aunt Mandy.”

“They’re all bad people. They hate me. They yell at me and hit me. You’re the only one who ever protects me.”

The child’s little chest heaved with sobs, her emotions spiraling out of control.

Watching her cry like this, Mandy felt as if needles were stabbing straight into her heart.

How she wished she could raise Claire’s child herself. But she knew, deep down, she’d never have the chance.

Gently, Mandy stroked the girl’s hair, trying to soothe her. But the child suddenly grabbed Mandy’s wrist with desperate strength.

“Aunt Mandy, don’t leave me. I’m scared.” Tear-streaked, the little face looked up, eyes searching Mandy’s for reassurance.

Mandy opened her mouth, but no words came.

She couldn’t make promises she had no right to keep.

Just then, a shout cut through the tension. “Mandy—!”

Mandy jolted, turning toward the voice. Her gaze met Liam’s across the room.

She never imagined he’d track her down here.

Liam’s eyes were wide, brimming with urgency and worry. “Mandy, please, you have to stop this. It’s not too late. Turn yourself in—no more bloodshed.”