Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 272

It was Susan who had taken pity on her younger sister back then, handing over control of Rutledge Group to save her from a difficult situation. So now, faced with a problem she couldn't solve on her own, Zena's first thought was to call Susan.

Susan's reply was clipped. "I'm busy."

Between the preparations for Seren's bridal reception, she truly had neither the time nor the inclination to help Zena. Besides, helping Zena drag Carla back to marry Garfield would be like helping a tyrant. Susan had always had a clear sense of right and wrong, and she couldn't bring herself to be an accomplice to such a heartless scheme.

Zena had expected Susan to help without question, just as she always had. She never imagined she'd be met with such a blunt refusal, and Susan's tone made it clear she couldn't care less about her problem.

A flicker of anger ignited within her. "You're my older sister," she complained. "I'm in trouble. Why won't you help me?"

That single sentence was the final straw for Susan. She had supported Zena for years, but Zena had never shown a shred of gratitude. Instead, she had come to see it as her due.

Susan's voice was laced with fury. "First of all, while I may be your older sister, I have no obligation to bail you out endlessly, especially now that we both have our own families. I helped you and Thurman time and again out of sisterly affection, but I've since realized that you don't have a sentimental bone in your body.

"You're always calling Seren an ungrateful wretch, but I've been wanting to tell you for a long time that she's not the problem. You are. You are the most ungrateful person I know. You're selfish and cruel. You don't deserve to be a mother, and you certainly don't deserve to be part of the Rutledge family. None of our ancestors were ever like you."

Her words struck like hammers. Without another word, Susan slammed the phone down, then went so far as to unplug the line from the wall.

After hanging up, she glanced at Seren beside her and sighed. "I shouldn't have lost my temper with you here, but I couldn't help it. Your mother is just… infuriating."

Seren's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Susan, who rarely played games, offered a mysterious smile. "You'll find out tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Zena felt no remorse, only a simmering indignation. Susan was so heartless, always holding the past over her head. It had been years since Susan helped her, yet she still used it as leverage. Besides, if Susan hadn't given her Rutledge Group, the company would have collapsed long ago. She and Thurman had been the ones to save it. What right did Susan have to lecture her?

But this wasn't the time to argue with Susan. The priority was finding Carla. The engagement announcement had already been sent out by both families, and the party was tomorrow. If Carla was a no-show, how would she ever explain it to Garfield?

Zena steeled herself, went upstairs, and roused Swain and Slater, ordering them to join her in a desperate, all-night search.