Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

The moment of retribution had finally arrived.

Irene closed her eyes with unwavering resolve.

In that instant, Vanessa was trembling like a leaf.

Ethan, Vincent, and Brian's eyes were filled with fear; they didn't want to confront the truth, only escape.

Seeing their distress, Claire felt a surge of satisfaction, a sense of justice finally served, and a smile slowly spread across her lips.

However, just as Irene was about to open her eyes, a woman's angry voice suddenly pierced the tension.

"What are all of you doing in this room? Don't you know the patient needs rest?"

A woman in a white coat led the way into the room, followed closely by Nathan and Adah.

Vanessa's eyes lit up at the sight of the woman, as if she had seen a savior. She almost rushed to her to pour out her grievances but held herself back.

When the woman looked at Vanessa, her gaze was tender, but she quickly masked it with sternness as she turned to Claire and the others. "Are you going to let the patient rest or not?"

The doctor Brian had called hurried to the woman's side and asked, "Dean, what brings you here?"

"If I hadn't come, this room would have been turned upside down by these unnecessary people. Out, out, don't disturb the patient's rest."

Her hands were in her pockets, and her tone was firm.

Claire stood her ground, her eyes fixed on Ethan, Vincent, and Brian. She was surprised to see all three of them breathe a sigh of relief.noveldrama

Ethan was the first to react, nodding quickly. "The dean is right. We should have considered this better. Let's go, let's go."

He started to pull Vanessa towards the door.

Claire barked, "No one leaves until the real culprit is revealed."

Ethan halted, turning back to Claire with impatience. "Claire, will you ever stop? Can't this wait until we're home? Must you cause a scene here at the hospital?" Claire laughed, a sharp, mocking sound. "We're about to uncover the real villain, yet you're in such a rush to leave. It's just an excuse."

"Today, none of you will leave until the culprit is named."

"You..." Ethan shook with anger, and Vanessa, tightly held in his arms, looked like

a victim of terrible bullying, her eyes red with unshed tears.

"Sister, I've always treated you like my own sister. Why do you always target me? If I've done something wrong, tell me, and I'll change," Vanessa pleaded, her voice breaking into sobs.

"Shut up! This isn't your place to speak," Claire snapped, raising her hand as if to strike Vanessa.

But before she could, the dean grabbed Claire's wrist with a steely grip and pushed it away.

"This is a hospital, not a courtroom. Take your issues elsewhere, and don't disturb the patients."

The dean's gaze was a warning, tinged with disdain as she looked at Claire.

Behind her, Nathan and Adah stood silently, their eyes full of reproach. They seemed ready to act if Claire continued her outburst.

Claire took a deep breath, struggling to regain her composure.

She squinted at the dean, frustrated that they were so close to having Irene publicly identify Vanessa as the culprit, only to be thwarted at the last moment by this woman's untimely intervention.

The dean's reprimand seemed directed at everyone, but her gaze was clearly fixed on Claire.

She had tried to discipline Vanessa, only to be stopped, and the dean's grip had been so strong it nearly crushed her wrist.

Claire didn't believe in coincidences; too many coincidences meant intent.

There was definitely something suspicious about this dean.

"May I ask, Dean, what is your relationship with Vanessa? Why do you rush to her defense the moment you enter?" Claire inquired.

The dean's face shifted slightly but quickly returned to a calm demeanor.

"Young lady, don't make baseless accusations. I'm simply fulfilling my duty to maintain order in the hospital."