Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 72

She tilted her chin ever so slightly, refusing to let the tears welling in her eyes spill over where Lennon might see them.

She also didn't want anyone nearby to notice her emotional turmoil.

Suddenly, a warm touch cut through the chill of her hand.

Lennon's large palm enveloped hers, wrapping her fingers gently in his grasp.

Seren turned her head, meeting Lennon's deep, dark eyes.

There was something guarded and aching in his gaze.

His voice, when it came, was roughened by concern. "Were you cold that time, when they made you stand outside as punishment?"

A tremor ran through Seren's chest.

She forced herself to shake her head, as if nothing had happened. "That was years ago. I've forgotten most of it… I suppose it was pretty cold."

Lennon let out a quiet sigh. "If I'd been with you back then, you wouldn't have had to go through that."

It was such a simple thing to say, but it struck right at her heart.

Her emotions surged, and she couldn't help glancing at Lennon again.

Coming from a man as steady and mature as him, that kind of almost childish 'if only' sounded all the more endearing—like for a moment, this usually distant, untouchable man was suddenly just… human.

The moment didn't last long. Staff began moving briskly near the auction stage, signaling that the event was about to start, and their conversation came to a gentle close.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Tonight's auction is officially underway."

The announcement echoed through the hall.

The hostess made her entrance, dressed in a wine-red evening gown that was both elegant and dignified.

The lights above the stage dimmed abruptly, and when they flared on again, the first item was already displayed on the presentation table.

It was a jade bracelet.

The stone was translucent, with a subtle, watery sheen. Delicate carvings ran along its surface—a slender, upright stalk of oak, its segments precisely rendered, leaves layered and lively, so realistic that it seemed to capture the very spirit of the plant.

The hostess began her introduction.

"This bracelet was carved from the finest white jade by the renowned Veridian artisan, Master Aby, inspired by Elder Fairchild's 'The Shadowed Oak'."

"Starting bid: one hundred thousand."

Excitement flashed in Seren's eyes.

She wasn't usually fond of jewelry, but this bracelet was different—it brought to life Elder Fairchild's 'The Shadowed Oak'.

She could never afford the actual 'Shadowed Oak' by Elder Fairchild. But a piece inspired by it? That was within reach.

But she'd noticed, with her usual sharpness, that Seren was whispering with her bidding assistant—obviously intent on winning this piece.

And anything Seren wanted, Carla couldn't bear to let her have.

Slater didn't suspect a thing. He ruffled Carla's hair affectionately.

"If you like it, I'll buy it for you. Sound good?"

"Great!" Carla's voice was sweet and ringing, her face full of delight.

"You're the best, Slater!"

Nearby, Swain's sharp gaze lingered on Carla.

They'd grown up together—nobody knew Carla's real tastes better than he did.

He couldn't understand why she suddenly wanted this bracelet. It just didn't fit her usual style at all.

Just then, Swain noticed someone in the front row raising a paddle.

"Miss Bradley, twenty thousand."

That was Seren's seat—there could be no mistake.