Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 77

"Mrs. Crestwell, would you mind calling me Lennon from now on? Or, well, another name if you prefer.

'Mr. Crestwell' just sounds so distant."

Lennon looked at her, hope clear in his eyes.

Seren parted her lips, but the name wouldn't come out.

It was such a simple word, yet it felt like it would burn her tongue. Just thinking about saying it filled her with a mortifying sense of embarrassment.

Lennon noticed her hesitation and smiled gently. "If it's too much, you can just use my full name for now."

It was a small concession, just one letter's difference, but far less intimate than his initial request.

Seren dropped her gaze, cheeks burning. "Go… Lennon."

"Yes." Lennon answered promptly, turning back to face the front, saying nothing more.

But the warmth in Seren's cheeks lingered.

When she'd first tried to say his name, it had felt almost impossible. But after she'd finally managed it, looking back, it seemed like the most ordinary thing in the world.

She glanced sideways at Lennon.

Somehow, it felt as though the distance between them had closed ever so slightly.

A subtle sweetness crept into her heart.

When she realized it, Seren barely recognized herself. She'd never felt this way around anyone before.

The auction continued on around them.

Aside from Lennon's assistant bidding on his behalf, there was only one other determined bidder: an elderly gentleman with a crisp suit and a top hat, seated just behind them.

No matter what Lennon's assistant offered, the gentleman would instantly raise the bid by another million. He clearly had every intention of winning.

But Lennon was even more determined.

The numbers climbed higher and higher, until the bidding finally reached forty million. The old gentleman sighed and set down his paddle in defeat.

"Forty million, going once…"

"Forty million, going twice…"

"Forty million, sold!"

The auctioneer's gavel fell, and the room fell silent.

Everyone marveled at Lennon's extravagance, but only a select few understood that he'd spent a fortune for Seren's sake.

Among that small group, most wore sour expressions.

Except for Nadine and Susan. Their faces glowed with satisfaction.

Swain, meanwhile, barely registered the event. He was completely absorbed in texting his assistant, instructing them to order him a forty-million-dollar jewelry set.

"Seren, could I have that jade bracelet—the one worth two hundred thousand? I really want it."

Seren's response was cool and calm. "No. I'm not giving it to you."

Carla's lower lip trembled, disappointment welling in her bright, guileless eyes.

Her voice grew softer, but there was a persistent edge to it.

"But Seren, I really, really want that bracelet."

"I couldn't place a bid earlier because my brother needed me for something. And money's not a problem—I'll pay you for it."

"Please, Seren. Let me have it."

The truth was, Carla had come looking for trouble; she had no intention of giving up so easily.

She'd already thought it all through. Zena and Thurman didn't like Seren; if Carla picked a fight, they'd take her side. As for Swain and Slater, they both knew she had a good reason—

After all, she wanted the bracelet to give to Zena. It was a show of filial devotion.

Carla was certain no one would blame her; in fact, everyone would understand and support her.

If Seren refused to hand over the bracelet, Zena and Thurman would see her as a failed sister. Swain and Slater would see her as ungrateful—someone everyone would condemn.

In the end, no matter how unwilling Seren was, she'd be forced to swallow her pride and give up the bracelet.