Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 435

Orion’s Bedroom

Orion’s face brimmed with smug satisfaction, a world away from the shy persona he wore in front of others.

His small fingers danced rapidly over his phone screen as he sent a photo of Claire to the group chat.

York Pierce: Wow, what an adorable little girl! Orion, who is she?

Zachary Quinn: Bet you just grabbed that picture off the internet.

Orion: That’s my little sister.

York: Your sister? Come on, who are you kidding? Since when do you have a sister?

Zachary: Yeah, you don’t even have any cousins, so where’d this cute little sister come from? You must be going crazy with envy because I have a sister!

York: Ugh, I wish I had a little sister too. Orion and Sean don’t have sisters either. Zachary’s the luckiest.

Zachary: @Sean, are you just gonna lurk, or will you say something?

Sean: @Orion, is she really your sister?

Watching the chat blow up, Orion’s smile widened.

Of course, she’s my sister! Isn’t she the cutest, sweetest little thing you’ve ever seen? She hugged me and kissed me today. She’s so soft and cuddly and smells like sunshine. Totally adorable.

York: Orion, keep bragging and I’m coming over tomorrow to steal your sister for myself!

Zachary: Count me in. I want to see if your little sister is any cuter than mine.

Sean: I’m coming too.

Orion: Get lost! She’s mine and mine alone.

After showing off his new sister, Orion set his phone on the nightstand, his heart overflowing with satisfaction.

Orion stared, stunned—and instantly flooded with jealousy. He muttered under his breath, “Weren’t you the ones who said you adopted her to keep me company? I haven’t even gotten to sleep with her, and you two already claimed her.”

He stood beside the bed for a while, searching for even the tiniest spot to squeeze in, but the bed was crammed full—there was simply no room for him.

With a defeated sigh, he circled the bed, hoping for a miracle. No luck.

He finally whispered, “Goodnight, Claire,” and trudged back to his own room, reluctant and disappointed.

***

The next morning, Claire slowly blinked awake. The first thing she saw was Mrs. Tempest’s beautiful face.

Claire stared in confusion. “Mom?”

“Good morning, sweetheart. Are you awake?” Mrs. Tempest beamed at her, eyes full of warmth.

It was the first time anyone had ever called her “sweetheart.” Claire’s cheeks flushed pink. “Mom, why are you in my bed?”