Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 496

Brian snapped back to reality and realized his arm was still wrapped around Claire’s slender waist, holding her so close she was practically pressed against him.

Her waist was delicate, almost fragile, and she smelled faintly of shampoo and something clean and fresh—an addictive scent he couldn’t quite place. He found himself reluctant to let go.

Just as he hesitated, a strong hand suddenly reached over and shoved him roughly aside. Claire was pulled away and into someone else’s arms.

The man’s voice was icy, sharp as winter air—utterly cold and devoid of warmth.

"What do you think you’re doing with my fiancée?"

Brian’s arms felt strangely empty, a wave of disappointment crashing over him.

He turned to see who it was, and when he recognized the man, he froze.

The newcomer was none other than Sean Foster—the heir to the Foster family, the most powerful family in Northcrest City.

Brian didn’t like him. He’d seen online that his idol, Claire, was engaged to this very man. Deep down, Brian knew he’d never be worthy of someone like Claire. To him, she was unattainable—like the moon in the sky, to be admired from afar but never touched.

No matter how impressive Sean Foster was, he was still just a businessman. What gave him the right to lay claim to Claire, a prodigy in the scientific world?

Besides, Claire and Sean were only childhood friends. They hadn’t seen each other in eight years. This whole engagement thing was just a game kids played once—hardly something to take seriously.

Brian glanced anxiously at Claire, worried Sean might treat her badly. If Claire so much as hinted at needing protection, Brian would gladly step in to defend her.

But what he saw instead was Claire’s face lighting up in pure excitement the moment she saw Sean.

Sean was only twenty-two now, still with the earnestness and awkward charm of youth. Yet, there was already a trace of the calm, self-disciplined man he’d become in another life—a steadiness that went far beyond his years.

In her past life, Claire had suffered far too much. Sean had been her salvation, the brightest light in her darkest days. The boy she’d once relied on had finally grown up.

And somehow, he recognized her at a single glance.