Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 166

The three Swain siblings trudged back from Riverbend City, weary and travel-stained, just as dusk was settling over their family home.

As soon as Slater and Carla saw Zena, they greeted her politely, their voices soft and respectful.

Swain, on the other hand, barely spared Zena a glance. His expression was cold, and without a word, he strode past her and into the house.

Zena, exhausted from a long day, felt a chill run through her at the sight of Swain's hardened face. He had always been the most easygoing and obedient of her children. But ever since the situation with Seren, it was as if he'd become someone else entirely—resentful, withdrawn, his gaze icy.

It wasn't just a passing mood, either. This distance and resentment had dragged on for days now. And Swain wasn't the only one. Even Susan and Old Mr. Rutledge had started treating her in exactly the same way.

Susan, who used to call every other day just to check in, hadn't called her once since Zena had cut ties with Seren. In fact, whenever Zena tried to reach out, Susan refused to pick up or hung up after a single ring. The message couldn't be clearer: Susan was taking Seren's side, and Zena, her own sister, had become persona non grata.

A few days ago, Zena had finally found a spare moment to visit Old Mr. Rutledge. She'd barely warmed her seat or had a sip of tea before he told her to leave, retreating to his room and shutting the door behind him without a single extra word.

It was all because of Seren. The more Zena thought about it, the angrier she became. Her face darkened, and her voice was cold as she spoke.

"Swain," she called sharply, "so you're still holding a grudge against your own mother, is that it?"

Swain stopped in the hallway, but didn't turn around. His reply was curt, almost indifferent. "Wouldn't dare."

Growing up, Slater had never been afraid of anything—not even Thurman, the patriarch of the family. But Zena, when she was angry, was a different story. Normally she was gentle and loving, but when her temper flared, she became almost unrecognizable: strict, severe, even frightening. Just like she was now.

He shot an uneasy glance at Swain, hoping he'd back down. Surely it wasn't worth infuriating Zena over someone like Seren.

Carla, sensing the tension, shrank back slightly. Still, she managed to look sweet and composed as she stepped forward and gently took Zena's hand.

Her voice was soft and warm. "Mom, big brother's just upset. He doesn't really mean to be disrespectful. Please don't be angry with him."

Swain glanced at Carla, then quickly looked away. Meeting Zena's piercing gaze, he replied calmly and without a hint of deference, "Fine by me. I didn't want to work at the Rutledge Group anyway."