Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 44

She really didn’t have the appetite to face this family.

Adah's expression stiffened, but she continued to insist, “Skipping dinner isn't good for you, Claire. You should at least eat a little something.”

Scanning the table with a critical eye, Claire curled her lips into a mocking smile. “Sorry, I'm just not used to eating leftovers.”

Her words were like a stone cast into a tranquil lake, instantly freezing the smile on Adah's face.

The once relaxed and cheerful atmosphere around the dining table suddenly grew tense. Nathan furrowed his brow, his displeasure evident as he fixed his gaze on Claire, the weight of his paternal authority bearing down on her.

Sensing the awkward tension, Vanessa quickly set down her utensils, her eyes filled with feigned concern. “Claire, we've been waiting for you so long. When you didn’t come back, we thought you had eaten already, so we started. We’ve only just begun. Don’t be upset, come and join us.”

Adah seized the opportunity, nodding eagerly. “Yes, yes, Claire, just have a little bit. We made all your favorites tonight.”

Ethan, however, slammed his fork down on the table, narrowing his eyes in warning. “Claire, Mom, Dad, and Vanessa are all worried about you. You came back so late, and no one blamed you. Stop acting like the world owes you something. If you’re going to eat, then sit down. Enough with the drama.”

Looking around at their hypocritical faces, Claire’s anger burned even hotter.

All she wanted was a moment of peace and solitude. Was that so much to ask? Why was it so hard for them to just leave her alone, to treat her like she was invisible?

They were pushing her, weren't they? Fine. If they wanted a scene, she’d give them one.