Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 81

The message couldn't have been clearer.

Because Claire was used to hardship, having endured it since childhood, she was deemed destined to become a pawn in a marriage alliance, continuing to suffer for life.

If Claire heard this, despite having long given up on this family, the idea of being manipulated as a pawn would still fill her with anger and resentment.

Adah's tears turned into laughter as she gently stroked Vanessa's hair. "Vanessa, don't be upset. You're engaged to Brian, so there's no way you'd be sent off to marry into the Foster family. Just focus on being Brian's fiancée. Once the Eastborough project stabilizes, your father and I will discuss your wedding with the Cole family."

Vanessa blushed at her mother's words, feeling both shy and anticipative.

Nathan watched the tender scene between mother and daughter, a smile finally breaking through on his face. "Brian is still outside. Why don't you two go and keep him company? Ethan and I have matters to discuss."

Adah and Vanessa left the room.

Ethan watched their retreating figures, a sense of unease creeping in as he thought about Claire's impending arranged marriage. He wanted to say something but, opening his mouth, found the words wouldn't come.

After they left, the study descended into an oppressive silence.

Nathan sighed heavily, sinking wearily back into his chair. He rubbed his forehead with a tired hand. "Ethan, I know you're worried about Claire, but we have no choice. The rise and fall of the Linwood Group depend on this. We're all caught up in circumstances beyond our control."

"I understand..."

...

Vanessa glanced towards the sofa, surprised not to see Brian or Claire there.

Just as she was puzzling over their absence, Brian emerged from the depths of the first-floor hallway.

Vanessa paused, startled. Why would Brian have gone back there?

A sudden realization dawned on her, sparking surprise in her eyes.

The storage room at the end of that hallway was Claire's room. Could it be...

Adah nodded approvingly from the sofa, watching Vanessa dash upstairs, her eyes full of affection.

Vanessa's real motive wasn't just to call Claire down for dinner but to see if Claire was indeed in Ethan's room.

As expected, when she pushed the door open, Claire was nowhere to be found.

Looking around at the lavishly decorated princess-style room, Vanessa clenched her teeth.

Ever since Claire was hospitalized, her brother had immediately had the room redecorated.

She had underestimated Claire. In just a few days back home, Claire had already captured her brother's attention.

A steely resolve flickered in Vanessa's eyes. If Claire wasn't in the bedroom, then she must be in the storage room.

The mere thought of Claire and Brian together in that storage room ignited a fire of hatred within her, nearly consuming her reason.