Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 7

"If you don't have anything better to do, why don't you read more? Vanessa scored tenth in the entire school for her first high school exam. What about you?"

"I... I was first..."

"Yeah, right, first from the bottom, and you're still bragging about it."

He had already arranged for fifty thousand dollars to be deposited into her account each month, yet she had the audacity to demand five million.

Vanessa never asked for that much money, so who did she think she was?

Tears welled up in Claire's eyes, as if she had suffered the greatest injustice.

He felt a wave of irritation, losing even the mood to read his financial newspaper.

Thankfully, Vanessa was considerate. She clung to his arm playfully, "Brother, I came tenth this time. Do I get a reward?"

How could he resist the sweet charm of his little sister? Instantly, he forgot about the discomfort Claire had caused. Pinching Vanessa’s cheek affectionately, he asked, "What does Vanessa want as a reward?"

"I've had my eye on a purse that costs a thousand dollars. Can you get it for me?"

"Of course, as long as Vanessa likes it. Even if it costs ten thousand, I'll get it for you."

After pacifying Vanessa, he turned his displeasure back on Claire. "What are you still standing here for? Go to your room and study."

Feeling utterly wronged, Claire turned and ran out.

Nathan and Adah sighed in unison.

"If only Claire were half as sensible as Vanessa."

...

...

Ethan had simply assumed Claire attended Crest High too.

He turned sharply to Nathan and Adah, his voice trembling, "Dad, Mom, did you transfer Claire's school records when she came back?"

"......"

Nathan's face flushed deep red, mouth opening only to stammer incoherently, as if his strength had deserted him, his usual authority vanished.

Adah's lips quivered slightly, her eyes filled with panic and helplessness. Even her meticulously applied makeup couldn't hide the embarrassment on her face.

The two stood frozen, the air around them seemingly solidifying.

Ethan's complexion paled gradually, his previous understanding of Claire crumbling like a collapsing tower. All the certainty and disdain he once held now turned into sharp blades, mercilessly piercing his own heart.

He struggled to find his voice, his throat constricted as if strangled, the words shaking as they left his lips, "Claire, where did you spend your high school years?"