Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 168

It was only now that Swain finally understood just how unfit Zena had been as a mother.

Slater had repeated for him the words Seren said the day she cut ties with Zena. At the time, Swain had brushed it all off as the rash outburst of an angry daughter—just heated words, nothing more.

But now, as he replayed those words in his mind, he realized Seren had been right all along.

Zena was like one of those old-world, autocratic monarchs—unyielding, demanding absolute obedience. The slightest sign of defiance would set her off, and any history of being dutiful or well-behaved was instantly erased.

Only now did Swain truly understand why Seren had always resisted authority and harbored so much resentment toward Zena. He could hardly blame her. Because now, for the first time, he was starting to resent Zena as well.

When Zena finally left, the suffocating tension she'd brought with her seemed to lift from the room.

Slater, hunched in his chair, let out a shaky breath of relief. He glanced at Swain, the irritation on his face plain to see. He honestly couldn't comprehend Swain's attitude—why would his brother go so far for Seren, who never missed a chance to defy their parents and stubbornly refused to accept any apology?

It was as if Seren was the family's victim, wronged beyond forgiveness. Sure, Slater admitted he'd made his share of mistakes with Seren over the years, but nothing unforgivable—just the usual sibling missteps. He could own up to those. But what he couldn't accept was Swain taking out his anger on Carla.

Slater's tone was tense. "Swain, I know I've made mistakes, and if you want to blame me, I'll take it. But Carla's done nothing wrong. Can't you leave her out of this?"

As far as Slater was concerned, if Swain wanted to vent his anger at him, fine. He had it coming. But Carla—gentle, considerate Carla—had never once hurt Seren. She'd always tried to speak up for her. If Swain lashed out at her, it was nothing but unfair collateral damage.

Having just endured Zena's fury, Swain now faced Slater's reproach as well. His face went cold. The warmth people usually saw in his eyes was gone, replaced by an icy sharpness.

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