Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 188

"Slater, why don't you let me help out at the Rutledge Group?" Carla suggested, her voice soft and eager. "I don't have any competitions right now, nothing to do, so I could lend you a hand."

She looked up at him, eyes bright and expectant.

Slater hesitated. Carla had no experience in business, let alone management. She'd studied things like equestrian sports and golf—charming and refined, sure, but not remotely useful in a corporate setting.

If he brought Carla into the Rutledge Group, she'd be more of a liability than an asset. Worse, she might even make things messier for him, and then Zena would have his head.

After thinking it over, Slater finally shook his head.

"Carla, it's not a good idea. You don't have the right experience, and if I bring you in, Mom will just end up scolding me."

Carla lowered her gaze, a shadow flickering across her eyes.

In the end, Slater was always looking out for himself. He'd never really put her first.

If Slater could be so selfish, then why shouldn't she look out for herself too?

She'd felt a little guilty before. After all, Slater had always treated her well over the years—whenever she wanted something, if it was within his power, he'd get it for her.

But now, Carla felt no need to hold back.

When she looked up again, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's fine, really. I just wanted to help you out, that's all. But if you don't think it's a good idea, I'll drop it.

Everyone's probably right about me anyway—I'm just a pretty face, completely useless in this family."

Her words caught in her throat, and by the end, she was sobbing.

Slater had heard the rumors about Carla, how people called her nothing more than decoration.

Seeing her in tears now, his heart softened. He let out a long sigh.

She changed gears, curiosity lighting in her eyes. "Hey, Seren, do you think Edwin actually likes Carla? I can't see any chemistry between those two."

Sure, they held hands and acted close, like any couple strolling down the street, but Nadine just couldn't shake the feeling they weren't really together.

Especially Edwin—he didn't seem to care about Carla at all. And honestly, when Carla was in that awkward situation earlier, Edwin just stood by and didn't even try to help. That's not how someone acts when they're in love.

Seren thought about Edwin's expensive watch, then about the silver necklace Carla always wore. She shook her head.

"I don't think so, either."

Carla had worn that necklace since she was a teenager, always treasuring it. That probably meant it was the only gift Edwin had ever given her.

Material things don't equal love, of course, but they do say something—especially for someone like Edwin, who grew up with money and could easily afford more.

Maybe the truth was as simple as who cared enough to try.