Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 431

Ever since Claire had shown extraordinary intelligence at the tender age of one, the headmistress had taken a special interest in her.

For more than four years, the headmistress cared for Claire as if she were her own daughter—and Claire never let her down. She graduated high school at an age when most children were still learning their ABCs, and the entire orphanage basked in her reflected glory.

So now, when Claire burst into tears, the headmistress’s heart ached for her. Furious, she finally lost her patience and slapped Vincent hard across the face.

“You’re far too young to be spouting such nonsense. What will you become when you grow up?”

She turned and barked, “Someone, take Vincent out of here and make sure he learns a lesson.”

At her command, an attendant hurried over and dragged Vincent away.

Listening to Vincent’s miserable protests, Claire felt a wave of satisfaction. Now that she was back in this life, she finally had the chance to put Vincent in his place. She couldn’t help but wonder—without her around, would Vincent ever manage to become a lawyer this time?

The headmistress shook her head helplessly and turned to the couple before her. “Mr. Tempest, Mrs. Tempest, I’m terribly sorry you had to witness that. Claire is such a bright, well-mannered child. She’s always been the pride of our orphanage.”

“I truly believe that, with the right guidance, she’ll grow up to be someone remarkable.”

Mr. and Mrs. Tempest looked at Claire with visible satisfaction.

Mrs. Tempest softened her gaze and asked gently, “Claire, would you like to come home with us?”

Claire nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I would.”

She smiled up at her new family.

“This is your big brother, Orion Tempest,” Mrs. Tempest introduced.

Claire turned to Orion, her wide eyes blinking, her voice soft and sweet. “Hi, big brother.”

Ten-year-old Orion looked every bit the little grown-up, his face serious and reserved. But when Claire called him “big brother” in that honeyed voice, a flush crept across his cheeks.

“Little sister,” he replied, trying to sound composed.

Claire pressed her forehead lightly against the window, watching as Cresthaven’s familiar streets faded away, replaced by sprawling fields and the blur of highway guardrails.

Orion, sitting beside her, noticed her unease. He scooted closer and asked quietly, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling okay?”

His voice was gentle and clear, the kind of straightforward concern only a child possessed—so different from his usually stoic demeanor.

Claire shook off her thoughts and smiled at him. “I’m fine, big brother. I’ve just never been to Northcrest City before, so I’m a little curious. This is my very first time.”

In both her past and present lives, Northcrest City was new to her.

Orion hesitated for a moment, then reached out to pat her head in an awkwardly grown-up gesture. “Northcrest is a fun place. I’ll show you around when we get there.”

Warmth bloomed in Claire’s chest. The familial affection she’d missed in her last life seemed to be taking root, little by little.

The drive from Cresthaven to Northcrest City would take several hours, and Claire was still so young. After about an hour on the road, she began to feel tired and leaned her head against Orion’s shoulder, finally drifting off to sleep.