Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 88

All of this, every single bit of it, was thanks to the Linwood family.

She used to be so naive, hoping for affection from them despite their heartless treatment. It wasn't until she was sent to prison that she finally gathered enough disappointment to see through the true nature of this family.

With a heart full of hatred, Vanessa cried out to Claire, "If anything happens to Dad, I won't let you get away with it."

Claire froze mid-bite, slamming her fork down onto the table with a loud clatter. "Won't let me get away with it? What right do you have?" She glared at Vanessa. "Isn't your father's condition a result of your own actions?"

Claire stood and slowly approached Vanessa. "Wasn't it you who went into my room first? Wasn't it you who provoked me? Didn't you try to hit me first, forcing me to defend myself? And wasn't it you who ran to Mrs. Linwood to tattle?"

Her voice rose with each accusation. "You started this mess, and your dear father got upset seeing you upset, which led to his condition. Yet you're blaming me?"

Claire stopped right in front of Vanessa. As her words hung in the air, she raised her hand and slapped Vanessa hard across the face. "I've been too kind to you," she said coldly.

Vanessa's other cheek instantly mirrored the red mark from the first slap, creating a perfect symmetry.

Adah screamed and rushed forward, "Claire, you can't just hit people like this! Are you trying to cause a ruckus?"

Claire laughed derisively, sidestepping Adah, who stumbled and fell to the floor with a heavy thud.

Ethan, unable to contain his anger any longer, pushed Claire forcefully and shouted, "Claire, that's enough!"

Claire staggered, almost losing her balance. Startled, Ethan instinctively reached out to steady her, but she had already fallen into May's arms. His hand hung in the air for a moment before he awkwardly withdrew it, his face hardening as concern faded away.