Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 87

Carla had just stepped out of the car when she spotted Seren, surprise flashing across her face.

She lowered her voice and tugged at Slater's sleeve. "Why did Seren bring her husband straight to the Brewer family's place instead of coming home first?"

Slater didn't answer, falling silent as his thoughts crystallized with sudden clarity.

It wasn't just that Seren refused to acknowledge him as her brother anymore—she clearly wanted to sever ties with the whole family. She was determined to cut them all off.

He wasn't being paranoid; the evidence was everywhere. Every sign pointed to the same conclusion.

He'd realized recently that he might have been too harsh with Seren, and for once, he'd even felt a twinge of guilt.

But now, faced with her coldness and defiance, any guilt he'd managed to muster disappeared without a trace.

If he was the only one in the family who disliked Seren, maybe the problem was with him. But if everyone felt the same way… well, that had to mean something was wrong with Seren herself.

She'd always been rebellious and impossible to manage—no wonder she'd brought this on herself. No one else was to blame.

Carla, ever naïve, spoke up again. "Slater, Dad's out of town, and Mom's home alone. Since Seren and her husband are already here, why don't I call Mom to join us? We could all have dinner together as a family!"

Young and clueless, Carla had no idea what kind of storm she might unleash by inviting Zena over, especially after learning Seren had come to visit the Brewers without coming home first.

But Slater knew exactly what would happen. Zena would see this as a sign of disrespect, a direct affront to her authority. She cared deeply about appearances; being slighted in front of outsiders would be unacceptable.

Still, Slater said nothing to stop Carla.

If Seren dared to be this defiant, then she needed to deal with the consequences. If advice and warnings didn't work, maybe real consequences would. Experience was the best teacher.

Maybe once she faced the fallout, she'd learn not to act out so recklessly in the future.

Meanwhile, as Slater and Carla made their unexpected appearance, Susan and Hollis, gracious as ever, welcomed them in without hesitation.

Nadine watched the pair approach with obvious distaste, wishing they'd just vanish into thin air, but she grudgingly followed her parents to greet the guests—manners, after all, were manners.

He slipped his broad, warm hand around hers, his grasp steady and reassuring.

Seren looked down at their joined hands, her anxious heart finally beginning to settle.

She relaxed her grip, slowly but firmly returning the pressure, holding onto him with quiet determination.

For the first time, it didn't feel quite so terrifying, knowing what was about to come—because Lennon was by her side.

Feeling steadier, Seren hesitated, then spoke up again.

"Lennon, could you give me the contact information for your company's lawyer?"

She knew exactly what was coming: Zena would almost certainly bring up the 5% share of Rutledge Group that should have belonged to her. Any hope Seren had once held for her birth family was gone. It was time to close the door on the past, once and for all.

Lennon nodded. "Of course."