Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 90

To Seren's surprise, Zena actually beat her to the punch and brought it up first—just as she had hoped.

Zena's face was ashen with rage.

Her own disownment had been nothing more than empty words. But Seren wasn't just cutting ties—she had actually prepared an official agreement, demanding Zena sign it.

Not even five minutes later, perhaps less, a well-dressed middle-aged man entered the room accompanied by Nadine.

Seren took a document from the man's hands and handed it to Attorney Golden.

"Attorney Golden, please take a look. If everything checks out, we can sign both agreements at the same time."

Attorney Golden read through the contract carefully, his expression calm, but inside, he heaved a silent sigh.

The moment Zena had asked him to tamper with the original transfer agreement, he'd known this day would come.

If Zena could manipulate the legal documents for her own daughter's shares, it was no wonder Seren insisted on putting their estrangement into writing, with legal signatures and witnesses. It was the very definition of reaping what you sow.

He turned to Zena and spoke honestly, "Mrs. Bradley, I've reviewed the terms. In short, once this is signed, Ms. Seren will be settling any and all future support between you, Mr. Song, and herself with a one-time transfer of five percent of Rutledge Group's shares."

Slater stared in shock.

A lump-sum settlement for future support meant a total, final break with the Bradley family—no more ties, no more obligations, nothing but strangers.

As the reality hit, he felt a sharp, twisting pain in his chest.

How could Seren be so cold? Was her heart made of stone?

"Yes," Zena agreed instantly, not a hint of hesitation.

The tea room fell into an uneasy silence.

Hollis frowned deeply. If Zena treated Seren this way in front of everyone, he could hardly imagine what went on in private.

Susan felt a chill run down her spine as well. Zena's actions made one thing clear: when forced to choose between five percent of Rutledge Group and her own daughter, Zena chose the shares without a second thought. If this was her decision now, how could she ever have treated Seren well before?

For the first time, Susan found Zena utterly foreign, even frightening.

*

He recognized that look. It was the same look he'd once given Seren himself.

Carla hadn't spoken quietly; Zena heard every word. There was a flicker of realization—she'd been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Seren. Humiliated and furious, her face twisted with anger.

She strode forward, jabbing a finger at Seren's face. Her voice was sharp as a blade.

"The biggest regret of my life is giving birth to a daughter like you."

Zena had lost all semblance of composure and reason.

But Seren just smiled, brushing Zena's finger aside as she met her eyes with a calm, unflinching stare.

"What a coincidence. I feel exactly the same way."

"You are the most irresponsible mother I've ever known. You don't deserve the title."

She had wanted to say these words for a long time. In the past, she'd held her tongue—her upbringing wouldn't allow such rebellion. Respect your elders above all else, she'd been taught. Zena was her mother; even if she'd never loved her, even if she'd made endless mistakes or said unforgivable things, Seren, as a daughter, was supposed to endure it all.

But starting today, she didn't have to endure any of it ever again.