Chapter 51
Ethan shouted, “You’re talking nonsense! The law sentenced Claire to five years. She’s paid for what happened to your sister.”
Brian’s expression was icy. “Paid? Claire served her time and walked out, while my sister remains in a hospital bed, a living shadow of her former self. How is that justice?%
“As long as my sister remains comatose, Claire’s debt will never be settled.“}
“Enough” Ethan’s voice cracked, his eyes reddening with anger. “Claire endured beatings, insults, and worse in prison. She was forced to kneel, her leg was broken. She used to be so cheerful, and now she’s withdrawn and somber. Hasn’t she suffered enough?”
He staggered backward, knocking over a chair, oblivious to the clatter. His gaze was fixed on Brian, his chest heaving with emotion.
“My sister’s a cripple now,” he shouted at Brian, his voice choked with fury. “Is that what you wanted?“%
Brian’s heart seized painfully, as if an unseen hand was squeezing it tight.
Despite everything Claire had done to Irene, a part of him couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her!!
He struggled to suppress this unwanted sympathy. “She got what she deserved. The hardships she faced in prison can’t compare to Irene’s suffering. My sister had a bright future, and Claire destroyed it.”
His tone tumed mocking. “Ethan, don’t forget–Claire tried to frame Vanessa. You testified against her. Now you care about her? She probably despises you.”
Ethan winced at Brian’s words, a sharp pain stabbing his heart.
He had hoped that Claire would find redemption in prison, not that
His anger flared anew, and he swung at Brian.
Brian deftly sidestepped, avoiding Ethan’s punch with ease.
she’d suffer so tembly.
Ethan stumbled forward, crashing onto the bar, propping himself up as he gasped for breath.
“Get me a drink he slurred to the bartender
The bartender silently complied, preparing a drink for him.
Ethan grabbed the glass and downed it in one go, the liquid spilling down his chin and soaking his collar!
Brian sat nearby, his own drink gripped tightly, his knuckles white.
He
e appeared calm as he drank, but inside, he was a storm of emotions.
Claire, you had so much potential, such a promising future.
But you chose to harm Irene.
It’s just… unforgivable.
Amidst the flashing lights and pulsing electronic music of the bar, people danced and laughed, oblivious to the turmoil of the Linwood family.
In the quiet of the living room, Vanessa leaned against Adah, tears streaming down her face.!!
Her sobs echoed in the silence, each one an accusation against Claire’s “crimes.“)
Adah held Vanessa tightly, her eyes filled with disappointment and blame toward Claire, though she said nothing.
Nathan’s anger was palpable, his face flushed with rage. He pointed a finger at Claire, his voice booming. “You pushed Vanessa down the stairs! Are you trying to turn her into a vegetable too? Five years ago, you harmed Irene, and now you haven’t changed. You’re still as ruthless as ever. Kneel and apologize to Vanessa!“X
Claire met Nathan’s gaze coldly, a deep somow welling within her.
She couldn’t understand why her own father was so harsh
Her heart had been shattered long ago, but facing Nathan and Adah’s condemnation, she couldn’t suppress her own anger.!!
“Others might not know, but surely Mr. Linwood does?” Claire retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. “Vanessa pushed Irene down the stairs, and you watched it happen. Have you repeated the lie so often you believe it yourself?”