Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

When Mrs. Tempest burst onto the scene, she looked every bit the fierce mother hen-so different from her usual gentle, graceful self that she was nearly

unrecognizable.

Claire blinked, taken aback. She'd never seen Mrs. Tempest like this before- radiating such ferocity, as if she might tear apart anyone who dared lay a finger on her precious daughter.

Mrs. Tempest rushed to Claire's side, her eyes full of worry as she checked her over from head to toe.

"Honey, are you hurt anywhere? Tell me, sweetheart," she urged.

Orion's usually charming face was twisted in anger. "Claire, tell me who did this to you? Who bullied you?"

But before Claire could answer, Vanessa cut in with a sneer, "It's her own fault for not letting me have the dress! She deserved what she got she was asking for it."

Ethan chimed in, backing his sister up. "Yeah! Picking a fight with my little sister over a dress? She's lucky that's all she got."

"All the prettiest dresses should be for my sister. No one else would look as good in them as she does."

Orion turned his gaze on Ethan and Vanessa, his eyes cold and sharp.

Adah, seeing Orion glare at her son and daughter with such ferocity despite being so young, snapped, "What's with that look? This is a huge boutique, and you two insist on grabbing every nice dress for yourselves. How selfish can you be?"

"Honestly, don't you have any manners? I'd hate to see how your parents are raising you."

"You're already so unreasonable as kids-just wait until you're grown up. The world isn't going to be so forgiving."

Adah didn't hold back, her words stinging.

What Claire hated most was Adah's habit of always taking Vanessa's side, never caring about right or wrong.

It was because of Adah's blatant favoritism that Claire had suffered so much in the Linwood family.

She could take it when it was just her, but now Adah was insulting her mother and brother too—that was something Claire absolutely couldn't tolerate.

Just as Claire was about to explode, Mrs. Tempest suddenly spoke up. "Let me show you right now how I raise my children."

She turned to Claire, pointing at Vanessa. "Sweetheart, was it her who tried to steal your dress just now?"

Claire nodded obediently, not quite sure where her mother was going with this.

Mrs. Tempest's expression grew serious. "Listen to me, darling: if someone tries to take something from you, you take it back. If

someone bullies you, you stinet

up

for yourself-hit back if you have to. Don't be afraid. Your father, your brother, and I will always be here for you, no matter what."

Her encouragement was earnest and unwavering-a living example to Claire that as long as she believed in whatwas right, she could go for it without hesitation.

Claire's eyes welled with emotion.

So this is what it feels like to be believed in and supported by your mom, she

thought, a surge of strength filling her chest.noveldrama

She nodded firmly. "I understand, Mom."

With that, she turned to face Vanessa.

Vanessa had bullied her in her previous life, and now she was doing it again.

Well then-today, she'd settle the score for both lifetimes.

Without another word, Claire raised her small hand and slapped Vanessa hard across the face.

A sharp crack rang out.

The force knocked Vanessa to the floor.

But Claire didn't stop. She straddled Vanessa, raining down blows on her until

Vanessa burst into tears, wailing with each punch.

Adah and Ethan were stunned-neither of them had imagined that Claire would dare hit Vanessa right in front of them.

Both of them were livid, rushing to stop Claire.

But Mrs. Tempest blocked Adah's path, while Orion stepped in front of Ethan.

Mrs. Tempest's tone was cool,

Havelbet

almost amused. "When kids have a problem, let them work it out themselves. Or do you really want to pick on someone half your size?"