Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 71

Once they reached their seats, Seren and Lennon sat down one after the other.

The VIP section was right at the front, just a few steps from the raised display stage—the best spot in the house to view the auction pieces up close.

But for now, with the auction not yet begun, the display table stood empty.

As Seren settled in, Lennon leaned toward her and spoke in a low voice. "Do you want to sit further back with the others? It might be nice to have some company."

He had caught what happened just moments earlier when she lagged behind.

Seren shook her head. "No, thank you."

Lennon didn't press the matter.

Seren glanced sideways at him. "Why didn't you ask me why?"

"Because I know Mrs. Crestwell doesn't want to talk about it."

She swallowed, her throat tightening.

Lennon always knew how to treat her—with respect and restraint, never overstepping. If she didn't want to talk, he never asked, always quietly attentive to her moods and feelings.

She was silent for a long while before her voice slipped out, soft and uncertain. "Would you like to hear the reason?"

She wasn't sure why, but suddenly, she wanted to share with Lennon things she'd never told anyone else.

The warm lights of the hall caught Lennon's eyes, making them shine with a gentle, star-like glow. He looked at her, gaze steady and kind. "If you want to tell me, I'd be glad to listen."

So Seren began to recount the memories she'd buried for so long, telling Lennon about the rift between her and Zena, and the others.

The fact that Zena and the others ignored her wasn't even the worst of it. She'd lived through things far more painful than being overlooked.

It all traced back to when she was eight.

That year, Rutledge Group had just managed a successful turnaround. It was the first year Zena brought her home to The Mountain Retreat.

It was winter.

She'd only been a child then—eight years old, mischievous and full of energy.

Half-delirious with fever, she remembered Slater sneaking in for a quick look, then running off—probably to tell Swain.

In the end, Swain secretly called Old Mr. Rutledge, who rushed over in the middle of the night and took her to the hospital. She was unconscious by the time they arrived—barely hanging on.

The doctors later said if they'd arrived just a few minutes later, she might not have survived.

From that day on, Seren never wanted to go back to the Bradley family home.

No child distances themselves from their family for no reason. Children are born wanting to be close to their parents.

All these years, Seren had kept the memory locked away. She never spoke of it, not even to Sheridan, not during those three long years.

Sheridan had asked her more than once why things were so tense with her family, but Seren never wanted to explain.

She didn't realize it, but she'd just opened up her heart to Lennon.

After quietly telling him everything, Seren pressed her lips together and turned away.

It had happened so many years ago—she was just eight. But the helplessness and pain of that night still felt as vivid as ever.