Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 308

"Delicious."

"Really?" Claire's eyes lit up instantly.

"Yes, really."

"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Foster."

She never imagined her very first attempt at making a simple noodle soup would earn such high praise. Maybe, she thought, she really did have a knack for cooking.

Claire felt a surge of happiness as she picked up her fork and took another bite.

The rich aroma of the broth, mingled with the fresh taste of parsley and a hint of sesame oil, made her eyes narrow with contentment.

No matter how many times she had this dish, it was always her favorite.

Perhaps it was because, during her bleakest winter, May had made her this noodle soup, warming her through the coldest nights.

Whenever the weather turned chilly, this was the taste she craved most.

As Claire ate, lost in her memories, she failed to notice the wide-eyed stares Aberdeen and Grace exchanged as they watched Sean take another bite. It was as if they’d just witnessed something unbelievable.

The two shared a glance, clearly wanting to say something, but seeing Claire’s happy expression, they quietly swallowed their words.

Claire’s health had never been great, and her stomach was left weak from her time with the Linwood family. She ate slowly, savoring each bite. By the time she finished a single mouthful and looked up, she realized Sean had already finished his bowl.

Surprised, but even more delighted, she offered, "Would you like some more, Mr. Foster? I can make you another bowl."

Sean quickly waved her off. "No, thank you. I have work to get back to. You take your time and enjoy."

With that, he stood and turned to leave.

Claire called after him, "Mr. Foster, why don’t you take Jeffry with you? I’m not going out today, and I’d feel better knowing he was with you."

"Alright," Sean agreed, his long strides carrying him swiftly out the door.

***

In the car.

Sean leaned back in his seat, exhaustion written across his face. He loosened his tie, revealing angry red welts spreading over his neck and collarbone.

Claire’s expression turned serious. "May, I want to go to the hospital for a full check-up."

May’s face lit up. "That’s great news!"

But then she noticed the heaviness in Claire’s eyes.

"I know my own body," Claire murmured. "If...if something’s wrong, I don’t want Grandma or Mr. Foster to worry. They’ve already done enough for me."

She lowered her gaze, her voice tinged with sorrow. "If I’d never met Mr. Foster, I might never have had the chance to get justice for myself."

"And Grandma keeps hoping I’ll end up with Mr. Foster, but with my health... I don’t deserve him."

"I spent all night thinking about it. If I recover, that would be wonderful. But if I can’t... I don’t want to hold Mr. Foster back."

May blinked back tears, her heart aching.

Life had thrown so much hardship at Claire, and yet she still managed to keep her heart gentle and grateful.

"Alright," May said quietly. "I’ll go with you to the hospital."