Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Another piece titled "Radiant Beauty" showcased even more exquisite

craftsmanship than "Vita Aeterna," but unfortunately, it remained unfinished. It was on the brink of completion when, mysteriously, the embroiderer ceased her work a

month ago.

Sean speculated that perhaps an unforeseen tragedy befell the embroiderer; otherwise, why abandon such a masterpiece?

"Mr. Prescott?"

Sean snapped back to reality. He glanced at the Silk Stitch Embroidery peony on his chest, then at Claire in his arms.

If her embroidery skills were exceptional, perhaps she could finish "Radiant Beauty." That way, it could be a delightful surprise for his grandmother's birthday this year.

Sean carried Claire into the car, immediately noticing something was amiss. She seemed drugged. Without hesitation, he instructed, "To the hospital."

When Claire opened her eyes again, she found herself in a hospital room. The unbearable heat had subsided, and her mind was clear.

Recalling Vanessa's malicious behavior at the party, a wave of hatred surged within her.

She swung her legs off the bed and left the hospital.

Liam, having finished the admission paperwork and bought some essentials, returned to find the hospital bed empty.

Half an hour later, Claire took a cab back to the Linwood estate.

As soon as she opened the door, before she could even steady herself, Nathan's furious tirade hit her like a storm, "How dare you come back, you ungrateful girl!"

Before the words finished, a teacup hurtled toward Claire. Her eyes sharpened, and she deftly sidestepped it.

The cup shattered on the floor with a loud crash.

Nathan was livid, "You dare dodge? Let me teach you a lesson, you disrespectful wretch."

Vanessa, feigning concern for Claire, chimed in, "Dad, calm down. I'm sure Claire didn't mean it."

"She pushed you at the party, humiliating you in front of everyone. She did it on purpose, out of spite for you, trying to humiliate us," Nathan's eyes blazed with fury. "Claire, kneel!"

Claire regarded the father-daughter duo with icy disdain.

Standing tall, she met Nathan's glare with her own, her voice a cold, unwavering blade, "Why should I kneel? Vanessa drugged me at the party, intending to ruin me, and you blame me?"

Vanessa's eyes welled with tears, her voice trembling, "Claire, I can let it go that you pushed me, but how can you slander me?"

Nathan exploded at Claire's defiance, "How dare you lie! Vanessa is always well- behaved; she'd never stoop so low. You will apologize, or I'll teach you some manners!"

Adah, though hesitating for a moment, echoed Nathan's sentiment, "Claire, just apologize. We're family; there's no need for this conflict."

Ethan also frowned, "Claire, you've gone too far today. Apologize to Vanessa."

Staring at the familiar yet foreign faces, Claire's hatred erupted like a volcano, overwhelming her.

All her suppressed grievances and anger burst forth like a dam breached.

Her eyes reddened with fury, a madness flickering within them.

"You all side with her, forcing me! Fine, very well!" Claire, like a cornered beast, lost all reason.

If they wouldn't give her justice, she'd claim it for herself.noveldrama

She lunged forward, seizing an ashtray from the table, and pinned Vanessa beneath her, striking down.

Vanessa let out a piercing scream, terror filling her eyes.

Claire, consumed by rage, struck repeatedly at Vanessa's head.

"Die, all of you!"