Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Damn little brat. How could a child be so terrifying?

The very day she walked into the Foster family home, pregnant and hopeful, that wild little devil shoved her down the stairs. Just like that, she lost her baby.

But it didn't end there. Somehow, that wretched child convinced the doctors to remove her uterus along with the fetus, condemning her to a life without motherhood.

He was only five at the time, yet he hid behind his youth and waved a kitchen knife at her, threatening her without a hint of fear.

Yvonne had endured five long years in the Foster household. Now that Sean was ten, he'd grown more composed than he'd been at five, but inside, he was still the same little monster.

Yvonne didn't even dare meet Sean's gaze anymore, terrified that one wrong look would set him off and he'd come at her with a knife.

She forced a brittle smile at Sean, then spun around and hurried to her bedroom, practically fleeing.

Sean's eyes were icy cold, a murderous glint flickering just beneath the surface.

Yet, when he turned to Claire, that dangerous aura vanished. In an instant, he was simply a shy, innocent boy again.

He picked up a paring knife and began slicing fruit, dropping the neat pieces into a juicer.

Claire leaned over the counter, resting her chin in her hands, watching him with wide, eager eyes.

Sean felt the intensity of her gaze and pressed his lips together, a little self- conscious.

Soon, the juice was ready.

"Claire, try this," he said, handing her a glass.noveldrama

Claire's face lit up in delight. She took the glass, tipped her head back, and drank

a big gulp. Instantly, her eyes widened in surprise and joy.

"Wow! This is amazing, Sean! It's the best juice I've ever had. You're incredible- see, I knew you were the best!"

Sean was utterly flustered by her praise.

Since his mother's death, no one had ever spoken to him like this-so openly, so warmly.

He'd kept his heart cold and distant all these years, caring for no one but his grandmother.

He honestly thought his frozen heart could never thaw again.

But somehow, with this little girl he'd just met, he found himself caring... maybe even longing.

He didn't understand it, but he couldn't help it.

Unable to resist, he reached out and gently patted her soft, fluffy hair.

"If you like it, have some more. I'll make it for you every day... if you want," he offered quietly.

Claire nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please!"

Mr. Foster really was a wonderful person, she thought. Whether as a child or grown up, he had a warm, generous heart.

Maybe all her luck in life had been spent just to meet him.

She finished the juice in one big gulp, set the glass down, and then threw her arms around Sean's waist, hugging him tightly and nestling into him, as if she never wanted to let go.

The sudden hug made Sean blush to the tips of his ears.

"Claire, let me take you home. Your family must be worried," Sean said, though in

truth, he didn't want her to leave at all.

Still, he was worried Yvonne might try something again. The woman never seemed to learn.

Once Claire was safely home, he'd make sure to teach Yvonne a lesson she wouldn't soon forget.

Despite the storm brewing inside him, Sean kept his expression soft and gentle for Claire, the picture of a harmless big brother.

The Tempest family home.

When Claire returned, she found Orion sitting on the couch, his little face set in a scowl, arms crossed in silent protest.

As soon as he saw her, he huffed and turned his head away, refusing to look at

her.

Claire

d. She'd been so excited

to see Sean in the garden, she hadn't

how her protective ldn't

brother might feel. Content Belongs to

She skipped over, plopped down

beside Orion, and tilted her headbet

pretending not to know what was wrong. "Hey, big brother, what's the matter?"