Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 78

Carla had been so sure her plan was foolproof—that this time, she'd finally win one over on Seren.

Yet as her words faded into the air, a strange, uncomfortable silence settled over the group.

Swain was the first to catch up, his face clearly darkening, lips pressed tightly together as he said nothing.

Slater, who usually leapt to her defense at the first sign of trouble, followed behind and—unexpectedly—remained silent as well.

A cold jolt shot through Carla's chest, a wave of unease rising up before she could stop it.

Something was wrong. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

It was Thurman, bringing up the rear, who finally broke the tension after catching Zena's pointed look. He cleared his throat, straightening his posture, his voice heavy and commanding as he addressed Seren.

"Seren, since Carla's made it clear she wants it, you should give it to her. You're the older sister—what's wrong with letting your little sister have it?"

You're the older sister—what's wrong with letting your little sister have it?

There it was. That same old refrain.

Seren actually laughed.

Because Carla was her little sister, she was supposed to give up everything.

Ever since they were kids, anything Seren liked was fair game for Carla. If Carla wanted it, Seren had to step aside.

Because she was the older sister.

No one ever cared if she wanted to, or if it was fair—her wishes were irrelevant. If she refused, Thurman, the head of the family, would step in and pressure her himself.

Then came the usual litany of blame from Swain and Slater, each taking their turn to scold her.

No matter how she felt, in the end, she always had to give in.

Seren drew a deep breath and met Thurman's stare, her voice steady and unwavering.

With both a brother and a sister herself, Nadine was in a unique position to speak to the matter.

Carla had been so sure that as long as Thurman stepped in, things would go her way, no matter how much Seren objected. She hadn't accounted for Susan and Nadine, who, with just a few well-aimed words, neatly excused Seren from any responsibility and turned the spotlight of blame onto Carla herself.

Carla instinctively opened her mouth to argue, but the logic of Susan and Nadine's statements left her speechless. Her face flushed a deep red as she dropped her gaze, lips pressed tight, eyes shining with unshed tears—a picture of wounded innocence, fighting bravely not to cry.

Usually, a few tears were all it took. The moment she showed weakness, someone would jump in to defend her—especially Swain, who had always taken her side no matter what.

But today, Swain's lips remained pressed in a firm, unmoving line. He didn't budge.

A flicker of panic shot through Carla.

She'd nearly forgotten—Swain's attitude toward her had shifted dramatically ever since the birthday party.

Desperate, Carla let her gaze drift to Slater. He had always spoiled her, always melted at the sight of her tears. Surely, if he saw her like this, he'd come to her rescue.

Hope flickering in her eyes, Carla looked at Slater, silently pleading for him to speak up.