Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 75

Seren remembered that Swain had always scoffed at so-called "masterpieces."

She used to talk passionately about Elder Fairchild's *The Shadowed Oak*, but Swain would just dismiss it, claiming it was nothing but overpriced paper, hyped up by collectors and critics. According to him, its true value was negligible.

Back then, she'd blushed with indignation and argued that art like this was priceless—its real worth far exceeded any monetary value.

Seren never really understood Swain's attitude, but she hadn't cared enough to dwell on it.

Carla, on the other hand, bit her lip hard.

If she wasn't mistaken, Swain was bidding on *The Shadowed Oak* for Seren's sake.

Just moments ago, he hadn't even bothered to bid for a jade bracelet that cost two hundred thousand—he hadn't said a word about it. But now, with *The Shadowed Oak* starting at a million, Swain was bidding without batting an eye.

Slater, at first, couldn't understand why Swain would spend so much money on what he saw as a worthless piece of paper. Then something dawned on him, and his expression grew odd—

Seren had always loved these sorts of "useless" things. Was Swain actually buying it for her?

Zena and Thurman were just as puzzled.

But with Swain, they trusted his judgment; they figured he must have a wealthy client with a penchant for this kind of art, and Swain was simply currying favor. In business, there was nothing wrong with indulging a client's tastes.

"One point two million."

Nadine raised her paddle.

She'd come tonight for this painting in particular. Seren's birthday was coming up, and Nadine wanted to win *The Shadowed Oak* as a gift.

"One point three million," Swain countered immediately, raising his paddle again.

As Nadine prepared to raise the bid, Swain suddenly turned to her.

"Nadine, would you let me have this one? I want to buy it for Seren."

The group fell silent, each of their faces betraying different emotions.

Zena and Thurman's expressions shifted dramatically.

Looking back, he realized he'd always favored Carla far too much. The things he'd said—some of them were downright cruel. His thoughts tangled in chaos.

It wasn't until he caught sight of Carla at his side, head bowed in dejection, that he snapped out of his daze.

He reached out, concern in his voice. "Carla, what's wrong?"

Carla kept her head down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just… I can't help feeling jealous of my sister. She loves art, and our brother doesn't hesitate to bid over a million for a painting she likes. Even Nadine was ready to bid against him for it."

"Everyone—Aunt Ruth, Grandpa—they all adore her."

"She's just so… likable. No matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, I never seem to measure up."

Hearing the quiver in Carla's voice, Slater's heart softened.

He remembered how Seren had only greeted Nadine and Susan earlier, ignoring the rest of them, and that stoked his simmering resentment.

He gave a cold snort. "Seren just loves cozying up to outsiders. Someone who turns her back on her own family can't be compared to you."