Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 181

Seren was lost in thought, completely oblivious to the banter between Jasper and Michael.

"Mrs. Crestwell, it's time to eat."

A low, gentle voice murmured beside her.

Startled, Seren turned to find Lennon back in his seat next to hers, his smile warm and easy as he reached over to ruffle her hair.

Their eyes met, and Seren's cheeks flushed a rosy pink. "Oh, right. Okay."

Nadine propped her chin in her hand and sighed dramatically. "Honestly, how are the rest of us supposed to eat? Us single folks are already stuffed to the brim with your cutesy couple moments. I don't think I could eat another bite."

Jasper chimed in, echoing Nadine's complaint with exaggerated agreement.

"She's right. Single people can't eat, and we're owed emotional damages, too."

Michael, always the calm one, didn't say much—just offered a small, knowing smile.

Seren wished she could disappear under the table.

Lennon, however, simply replied, "No emotional damages here. In fact, you all still owe me for all this romance you're getting secondhand."

Jasper gaped. "You heartless capitalist!"

Lennon grinned. "Takes one to know one."

Jasper just shook his head and gave up.

Seren couldn't hold back her laughter.

Earlier, while they'd been hiking, Lennon had filled her in on the group's dynamic.

Among the three of them, Lennon was the eldest, Michael next, and Jasper, the youngest, had always tagged along since he was little.

The Crestwood family had been in business for generations, but Jasper was their resident rebel. Instead of going into the family company, he'd run off to join show business.

But the Crestwoods were open-minded—figure he's young, let him chase his dreams for a while. When the time comes, if he's tired of the limelight, he can always come back home and take over.

Suddenly, Nadine turned to Jasper with suspicion. "You used to ask me about Seren all the time. Was Lennon pulling your strings? Planning this all along, huh? Had your eye on our Seren for ages?"

The more Nadine thought about it, the more convinced she became. Why else would Jasper have agreed so readily, only to bail at the last minute and let Lennon take his place? Clearly, it was all premeditated!

Seren hadn't given it much thought before, but Nadine's comment sent her mind spinning.

Was it true? Had Lennon liked her all along? Were all those wedding gifts picked out just for her?

The thought made her heart race, pounding so hard it felt ready to leap out of her chest.

Jasper waved his hands in protest. "Don't be ridiculous! It wasn't like that."

Nadine narrowed her eyes. "I don't buy it."

Jasper had the sudden urge to tape Nadine's mouth shut. Back when he'd asked about Seren, he'd sworn Nadine to secrecy, especially around Seren. She'd promised with all the confidence in the world—then promptly forgot and threw him under the bus.

Michael added quietly, "Don't give Jasper a hard time. He was just helping my grandparents. They really admire Seren, and since she and my little brother are close in age, they hoped he'd be the one to win her over."