Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 459

Ethan and Vanessa had spotted them, too.

Ethan’s lips curled in contempt. “What are a pair of social-climbing wannabes like you doing here?”

He glanced at Claire and Orion, eyes glittering with disdain. “Oh, I get it. You’re hoping to cozy up to Northcrest’s high society at the Tempest family’s little princess’s birthday bash, aren’t you?”

He let out a cold laugh. “Makes sense. For people like you, even the scraps that fall from a real family’s table would be enough to last you a lifetime.”

“But don’t get any ideas,” Ethan sneered, stepping closer. “You won’t get away with it today. Not with us here.”

“And you think you can tell us to get lost?” He scoffed, puffing up with self-importance. “If anyone should leave, it’s you.”

Ethan’s words were as nasty as ever, as if he’d completely forgotten how Orion had left him helpless the day before.

He strode over and grabbed Orion by the arm, trying to haul him toward the door. “You heard me—get out! People like you drag down the whole reputation of this place. This is a five-star hotel, not a charity case for the likes of you.”

Claire could feel her anger rising with every arrogant word. Ethan always did this—accusing others without knowing the facts, acting like he was judge and jury.

She’d known Ethan was like this since they were kids, but it seemed he’d only gotten worse.

Claire couldn’t stand that attitude, especially when he directed it at her brother. It was one thing for Ethan to pick on her, but to lay hands on Orion? That was crossing a line.

Without thinking, she drew back her hand and slapped him hard across the face.

The slap rang out, echoing through the lobby. Ethan’s head snapped to the side, and a bright red mark blossomed on his cheek.

“Let go of my brother.” Claire’s glare was cold and full of disgust.

For a moment, Ethan was too stunned to react. When he met Claire’s furious gaze, his heart gave an unfamiliar jolt.

Vanessa rushed over, shrieking, “How dare you hit my brother! Who do you think you are?”

Hand in hand, the two of them dashed toward the exit.

Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he watched their retreating figures. The sight of their joined hands made his fists clench with jealousy. He grabbed Vanessa and chased after them.

“You won’t get away that easily,” he muttered. “You’re going to pay for this.”

Vanessa’s eyes burned with envy as she glared at Claire’s elegant, custom-made dress. She’d never worn anything so beautiful in her life. How could that nobody look better than her?

Just wait, she thought. If I catch her, I’ll tear that dress to pieces.

Claire and Orion hurried toward the elevator. Just as they reached it, the doors slid open—and out stepped a group of people.

At the front was a girl, eight or nine years old, with a regal bearing. Behind her stood several tall teenage boys, their expressions cool and watchful.