Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Orion ignored her completely.

She actually had the nerve to ask what was wrong with him-what a little traitor. Ever since Sean showed up, she'd tossed her own brother aside without a second thought.

Honestly, what did she even see in that ice-cold Sean?

Or was it that Claire just liked those aloof, hard-to-read types?

Well, if that's what she wanted, then Orion could play that game too.

He sat there, sulking, waiting for Claire to come and coax him.

But no matter how long he waited, she didn't say a word.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of him. He turned his head-and there she

was, staring up at him with those big, sparkling eyes.

She looked so earnest as she asked in a soft voice, "Are you jealous, big brother? Because I went home with Sean?"

Orion's cheeks turned scarlet in an instant.

"W-who says I'm jealous?"

"You're really not?"

"Of course not!" he huffed, arms crossed and refusing to admit anything.

But Claire just grinned, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "I knew you were jealous, big brother."

She leaned in a little, her voice warm and sincere. "Don't worry. In my heart, you'll always be my one and only brother. No one could ever take your place."

As for Sean, well, he wasn't a brother he was future husband material.

Last time, she'd treated Ethan as her brother, but he'd never cared for the role. So this time around, Orion was her one and only.

Orion felt as if his heart was bubbling with happiness. That simple phrase "my only brother"-was enough to sweep away all his earlier frustration. He completely forgot about how Claire had left him behind to chase after Sean.

Still, Mr. Too-Proud-to-Admit-It just snorted and stuck out his chin. "Hmph. Like I care."

With that, he hopped to his feet and made a beeline upstairs, grinning like a fool the entire way.

The moment he reached his room, he dove onto his bed, rolling around with pure, unfiltered joy.noveldrama

Ahhhh! His little sister really did love her big brother best.

No way York, Zachary, or Sean could ever steal her away from him. No chance.

Wait-he'd better make sure those

three never found out just how amazing Claire was. If they realized

ar-old sister was a prodigy,

his

they'd stick to her like glue

The only downside of having such a brilliant little sister was that he couldn't go to

the same school to keep an eye on her.

Orion was caught between elation and anxiety, his thoughts tangled in a knot.

After a while, the door creaked open and Claire peeked in.

"Hey, big brother-are you hungry?"

Orion shot up, sitting bolt upright on the bed. Claire was holding a bowl, and the aroma hit him instantly: a simple, fragrant noodle soup, topped with fresh green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. The steam wafted through the room, making his mouth water.

"Don't be mad anymore, okay?" she said softly.

She'd made this just for him.

She might be small, but she'd stood on a chair, leaned over the stove, and cooked

this bowl of noodles with practiced care.

Her favorite was always May's homemade noodle soup-and she'd learned the recipe by heart.

"Here, try it," she said, holding out the bowl.

Orion cleared his throat, trying to look dignified. “Well, since you're apologizing so nicely, I suppose

can forgive you this time.

Claire bit back a laugh. "Okay."

He sat down properly at his desk, picked up his fork, and took a bite.

The chewy noodles and savory broth exploded with flavor in his mouth, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, this is amazing!"

Claire's smile widened. "If you like it, I'll make it for you all the time."

Orion froze, staring at her in disbelief. "You... made this?"

She nodded.

The next moment, Orion dropped his fork and grabbed her tiny hand.

"Did you burn yourself? Claire, you're way too little to be messing around in the kitchen by yourself. It's dangerous!"

"Even if you wanted to apologize, you shouldn't do something so risky."