Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 185

Edwin recognized everyone present, and he had no desire to get on the wrong side of any of them—no matter which family they came from.

All this trouble over Carla hardly seemed worth it. After all, all she had to do was apologize. It wasn't as if she was being asked to do something earth-shattering. Edwin couldn't understand why she had to make such a fuss over something so simple.

He also noticed the curious glances from people passing by, lingering just a moment too long as they looked at him and Carla. Even though those were just strangers, the embarrassment burned in Edwin's chest. All he wanted was to resolve this quickly and get out of there.

He tugged at Carla's sleeve, his expression as detached and indifferent as always.

His voice was cold and emotionless. "Carla, just apologize."

Meanwhile, Seren's friends closed ranks around her, ready to defend her without question. Carla, on the other hand, didn't have a single ally in her corner; instead, Edwin was nudging her forward, practically pushing her to apologize. The difference between them couldn't have been clearer. Once again, Carla found herself outmatched by Seren.

Anger and humiliation warred inside her. Carla pressed her lips together, refusing to say a word, but when she glanced at Edwin, she caught a flash of impatience in his eyes. He looked as though he'd had enough of her, too.

A chill ran through her.

If this petty incident could make Edwin dissatisfied with her—maybe even disgusted with her—it could ruin everything between them. Carla couldn't let that happen.

Years ago, an accident had thrown her and Edwin together. She knew better than anyone the kind of circles they moved in: old money, where a woman's reputation was everything. After that night, she'd had no choice but to cling to Edwin; marrying him was her only option.

Weighing her options, Carla finally gave in. Swallowing her pride, she forced out the words, "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention—I didn't see where I was going."

Seren's reply drifted over, light as air but sharp as a knife. "Next time, you might want to remember to keep your eyes open when you walk."

The mockery in her tone was unmistakable.

Carla dug her nails into her palm until it hurt, her heart pounding with fury.

Edwin's eyes were unreadable, his face calm and detached as ever. He simply said, "Let's go, Carla."

Without another word, he strode off ahead.

Carla quickly dropped her head and hurried after Edwin, not daring to linger a second longer.

She caught up with him in a few steps, but when she saw the dark shadow on Edwin's face, she fell silent.

After so many years, she could read Edwin's moods. He was probably embarrassed by what had just happened.

In front of others, a man's pride was everything. Edwin was no exception.

The two of them walked on in silence, not saying a word until they reached the foot of the hill.

Edwin drove her back to The Mountain Retreat. As usual, he pulled over well before they reached the entrance.

Just up ahead was a narrow, hidden passageway leading to the underground garage—one that ordinary residents never used, since it was cramped and barely maintained.

Every time Carla and Edwin met, they took this route, slipping quietly through the basement and into the house. For them, secrecy had become routine.