Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 57

May glanced into the operating room, her eyes filled with compassion and helplessness. "Miss Claire has been hurt by Mr. Linwood."

Ethan had already noticed the bruises and cuts marring Claire's pale, frail skin—each mark a stark reminder of her suffering. However, his attention was primarily drawn to her shocking finger injury, making the rest of the wounds seem almost insignificant in comparison.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Ethan took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before asking, "Why did my father hit her?"

May hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face. It wasn't that she didn't want to speak, but she feared Ethan might not believe her. Yet, if she remained silent, the alternative—a twisted version from Vanessa—would reach him.

Finally, she spoke, "Miss Vanessa accused Miss Claire of pushing her down the stairs. This made Mr. Linwood furious, and he whipped Miss Claire with a belt."

Noticing Ethan's furrowed brow, as if blaming Claire, May quickly added, "Master Ethan, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but I can't believe Miss Claire would do such a thing."

"Think about it—knowing Mr. and Mrs. Linwood were home, would Miss Claire really provoke a beating by hurting Miss Vanessa? Miss Vanessa has no injuries, yet look at Miss Claire, covered in bruises. It's heartbreaking."

As May spoke, her eyes welled with tears, and she dabbed at them gently with her hand.

Ethan clenched his fists tightly. Seeing Claire in such a state pained him deeply; yet Vanessa had always been so obedient and kind. He found it hard to believe she would falsely accuse Claire, especially given Claire's previous missteps.

Seeing his conflicted expression, May couldn't help but continue, "Master Ethan, don't you think your family might be a bit too..."

Before she could finish, Ethan shot her a cold, piercing look. "May, you're speaking out of turn."