Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 460

Claire was just about to step into the elevator when a little girl at the front of a group shoved her out.

“What’s your problem?” Claire snapped, her frustration flaring.

The girl gave Claire a slow once-over, her gaze growing icy when she noticed Claire and Orion holding hands.

“So, you’re the Tempest family’s adopted charity case, aren’t you?”

Claire frowned. “Do I know you?”

At her admission, the girl’s expression soured even further.

“If you hadn’t tried to steal Sean, someone like you—poor and pathetic—wouldn’t even be worth my time,” she sneered. “How dare you try to take Sean from me? Today, I’m going to teach you a lesson.”

With that, she raised her hand as if to strike.

Orion saw what was coming and shouted, “Cordelia, don’t you dare! If you so much as touch my sister, the Tempest family won’t let you get away with it.”

Cordelia paused, then let out a cold laugh. “Please. Everyone in Northcrest knows Sean and I grew up together. He’s always been my favorite. I’m going to marry him someday. People know to stay out of my way—except for you, the stray your family took in, who just can’t help herself. Even dared to show up at Sean’s house.”

She glared at Claire. “There’s no way I’m letting you off easy today.”

“I’d like to see you try.” Orion moved in front of Claire to shield her.

Cordelia snorted. “Hey, guys—hold Orion for me. I’ve got business with the little mutt.”

At her command, her two older brothers—tall, broad-shouldered teenagers—grabbed Orion. He was only ten, completely overpowered by the two fourteen- or fifteen-year-olds. Struggling, he could only call out, “Claire, take the stairs—go find Mom and Dad!”

Claire bit her lip. “Wait for me, I’ll get help.”

She darted toward the stairwell.

Cordelia tumbled down the stairs, her screams echoing with each thud.

Claire, standing at the bottom, saw everything.

Back then, Vanessa stood at the top, Nathan by her side. Claire—helpless at the bottom—had witnessed it all.

She stared up, stunned. The same scene was playing out again.

Vanessa, only five, already so cruel.

“Vanessa, are you insane?” Claire shouted up the stairs.

Vanessa’s face was pale with panic. “It wasn’t me! It wasn’t me—it was you! You pushed her!” she screamed, pointing a trembling finger at Claire.