Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 497

She wished she could pull Claire into a tight embrace, just like the rest of the Tempest family did.

But Claire hated her so much.

Even in her previous life, after Claire had gotten her revenge—having her locked away in a psychiatric hospital and left to suffer—Claire still refused to forgive her.

Adah’s eyes brimmed with tears as she watched the four of them, a picture of warmth and happiness. Only now did she realize, with a sudden ache, that she had never once held Claire in her arms.

In that other life, when Claire returned to the Linwood family from the orphanage, Adah had worried about how Vanessa might feel, so she’d neglected Claire, even going so far as to show Vanessa affection right in front of her.

Now, in this life, even the simple act of hugging her own daughter had become an impossible luxury.

Adah drew in a shaky breath, refusing to let the tears fall.

She simply stood there, quietly watching her daughter being cherished by others.

It was a long while before Mr. Tempest, Mrs. Tempest, and Orion finally let go of Claire.

Mrs. Tempest stroked Claire’s hair gently. “Eight years gone in a flash. Our little girl’s grown into a young lady.”

Mr. Tempest’s eyes were full of concern. “You’ve grown up, Claire, but you’ve gotten thinner. Did you not eat well at the institute?”

Orion chimed in quickly, “Let’s get home. We’ll take such good care of you that you’ll be back to your healthy self in no time.”

A gentle warmth bloomed in Claire’s heart. “Alright. Let’s go home.”

She reached out her hand to Sean. “Sean.”

As Claire was about to disappear from sight, he finally mustered the courage to call out, “Claire, will we ever meet again?”

Irene flashed a bright, infectious smile. Petite and adorable, with two little dimples and pearly white teeth, she radiated sunshine whenever she grinned.

“Claire, you’re my brother’s idol. He’s always wanted to meet you, and now that he finally has, he’s over the moon. He’d love to be your friend. Do you think he stands a chance?”

Claire paused, glancing at Irene.

In her previous life, if it hadn’t been for Irene’s sudden appearance, she would have been the one pushed down the stairs. Irene had taken that disaster in her place. For that, Claire couldn’t simply ignore her.