Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 239

In the cozy corner of the afternoon café, warm golden light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled patterns on the polished floors.

Liam noticed her sitting quietly, head bowed, her hair cascading like a curtain over most of her face. She had remained silent for quite some time.

Assuming she was still upset about the previous night, he softened his voice instinctively and said, "I'm offering you money not to insult you, but because I genuinely want to make amends."

Mandy slowly lifted her eyes, tears brimming, her face a picture of vulnerability, as if she had been burdened with tremendous grievances.

“I... I wasn't really harmed, sir, there's no need for this,” she replied in a soft voice.

“Please, take it. Otherwise, I won't have peace of mind,” Liam urged sincerely, his eyes earnest.

Mandy inwardly wished she could snatch the card immediately, yet the show had to go on.

Her face displayed a conflicted expression, her brow furrowing with indecision.

Liam remained patient, gently persuading her, his voice warm yet insistent.

Just as Mandy reluctantly extended her hand, a sharp voice suddenly pierced the air, shattering the previously tense atmosphere.

“Well, look who it is! Isn’t this Mandy, the scholarship star of Crestwood College?” a shrill female voice, dripping with sarcasm, cut through from behind them.

“Wow! Has our genius Mandy landed another wealthy patron?” a mocking male voice chimed in immediately after.

Liam and Mandy both turned their heads to see a couple standing beside them, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

The girl wore heavy makeup, her foundation like a mask, but her eyes betrayed an unmasked spite; the boy lounged casually, head tilted, a smirk of derision playing on his lips.

Mandy scrutinized the pair, realizing she didn’t recognize them.

Ever since Ethan had set her up, nearly getting her expelled, it felt like everyone at school wanted to kick her while she was down. No matter who they were, people took pleasure in taunting her.

In the past, as long as it didn’t affect her, she treated their words like hot air, letting them drift in one ear and out the other.

“Exactly, if her mom hadn’t begged in the principal’s office, she wouldn’t still be a student. It’s been less than three months, and she’s already up to her old tricks, trying to scam you. Don’t give her a cent.”

The couple's seamless back-and-forth made it seem like they had personally witnessed Mandy's downfall.

Liam looked at Mandy in shock, disbelief etched on his face.

Mandy gritted her teeth. She had been so close to getting the money.

If she took his money now and he later investigated her, discovering how Ethan had used her to threaten Claire—considering Liam was friends with that scoundrel Ethan—he wouldn't let her off easily. Worse, it could cause trouble for Claire.

Claire had suffered enough and didn’t need more wealthy jerks drawn into her life because of Mandy.

Realizing she couldn’t take the money, Mandy seethed with rage, wishing she could throttle those two idiots.

She bit her tongue hard, the sharp pain bringing tears to her eyes.