Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 8

Her life had been shattered before he finally remembered to care about her education.

How ironic.

She had devoted ten years of relentless study, hoping to change her fate. Just as her hard work was about to bear fruit, the oppressive forces proved insurmountable.

With a dismissive remark, the Linwood family had sealed her fate, effortlessly casting her into the depths of despair.

She could have had a bright future.

From a young age, her family's background couldn't compete with others. The only weapon she had was her extraordinary dedication to her studies.

Her dream was to get into an Ivy League university, pursue a master's, and then a doctorate. She wanted to become a professor, to stand on the podium and change the destinies of others like her through education.

But reality dealt her a harsh slap.

Instead of becoming who she aspired to be, she became a convict scorned by society, with a permanent stain on her record.

A blemish that would affect generations.

Thinking of this, Claire's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, yet she remained unaware of the pain.

"Cresthaven Academy." Claire's voice was soft, almost gentle.

However, the mention of "Cresthaven Academy" was as heavy as a thousand-pound boulder, nearly suffocating Nathan, Adah, and Ethan.

"Claire, I'm sorry," Adah's tears flowed freely, her sorrow palpable. "I didn't know you suffered so much. It's all my fault."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Claire replied, her voice steady and calm as she looked at Adah's tear-streaked face. "I understand you have no feelings for me since I wasn't raised by your side. I've long grown accustomed to hardship, Mrs. Linwood, wouldn't you agree?"

Hearing this, Adah's sobs faltered.

"Claire, I beg you," Adah's memory echoed with the haunting words from five years ago. "You're stronger than Vanessa, more resilient. You thrived even in the orphanage. I know you'll adapt to prison too. Please, take the blame for Vanessa."

The flood of memories hit Adah like a tidal wave. She clutched her heart, on the brink of collapse.

Claire watched Adah's feeble state with cold detachment, her heart full of scorn.