Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 111

Old Mr. Rutledge, his anger getting the better of him, was ready to throw them both out.

Slater still refused to back down.

To him, it was obvious—Old Mr. Rutledge was just being difficult and blatantly favoring Seren.

"We've come here to admit we were wrong, to apologize to Seren, and just look at her attitude! I'd say I was sincere enough, but she's so petty—she won't let the smallest mistake go!"

Joyce, standing nearby, just shook her head.

After years in the old house, and as something of an outsider, she saw everything with clear eyes:

From the beginning, Old Mr. Rutledge had never gone out of his way to favor Miss Seren. But as time went on, the Bradley family's behavior only got worse—they couldn't even be bothered to show up for Mrs. Rutledge's memorial, which broke the old man's heart.

Meanwhile, Seren's loyalty and care for both elders stood out even more starkly.

People respond with the same heart they receive.

Seren's devotion to them was the reason the old man finally grew more partial to her.

"I'm sorry," Seren said, her voice cool and clear, "I suppose I am petty. I suppose I just can't let your mistakes go."

It was a chilly autumn morning, sunlight pale and brittle as it stretched Seren's slender shadow across the lawn. Her back was straight, her silhouette narrow and upright—proud, unyielding.

Slater, still seething, refused to concede.

"Look at her, Granddad! And you still think this is my fault? Do you have any idea how biased you are? You're just like Grandma—growing up, all you ever saw was Seren. The three of us never mattered…"

"Slater, that's enough."

Swain finally couldn't stomach it anymore and cut him off.

He used to wonder why he always carried a grudge against Seren, why he would, consciously or not, ignore her. Now, at last, it was clear.

All through their childhood, Zena's voice had filled their ears with the same complaints: Old Mr. Rutledge and his wife only ever loved Seren. The three of them were nothing.

Seren, spoiled by their affection, was bound to turn out wrong.

Under the weight of those words, it was only natural he developed a prejudice against her, instinctively shutting her out.

But as soon as they stepped into the main hall, Old Mr. Rutledge straightened his back, and the pain vanished.

He was old, and he'd seen enough in his life to keep his wits about him. He wouldn't really lose his temper over a few harsh words; he was just putting on a show.

He'd simply seized the chance to stand up for Seren, who had suffered so much over the years.

He knew Zena had her faults, but when it came down to it, daughter or granddaughter, they were both family—both his own flesh and blood. For the sake of peace, he'd often turned a blind eye.

But now Seren was married to Lennon—a man with a sense of responsibility and strength. Seren finally had someone solid to lean on.

At last, the old man could breathe a little easier.

As for the Bradley family—well, it was clear Swain had finally realized something and felt real regret. For the others, remorse would come soon enough.

Susan and Hollis exchanged a look, a silent agreement passing between them: old age brings wisdom.

Of course, going through something like this leaves a bitter aftertaste. Anyone would be hurt by such accusations—let alone when they come from your own family.