Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 93

Zena stormed out, her heels clicking sharply down the hallway. Carla and Slater hurried after her, too rattled to even mention the jade bracelet to Hollis again.

The tearoom returned to a gentle hush.

Lennon excused himself to take a call outside, leaving a brief moment of quiet.

Susan leaned in, taking Seren's hand in hers. "Now that you've cut ties with the Bradley family, I want you to treat this place as your own home," she said softly.

She reached up and gently smoothed Seren's hair, her eyes glistening with emotion.

Susan and Zena were sisters; they'd grown up side by side, and Susan knew Zena better than anyone. It was obvious—if Seren hadn't touched a raw nerve just now, Zena would never have lost her composure like that.

Thinking of all the unfairness and hardship Seren must have endured over the years made Susan's heart ache. If only she'd noticed sooner—maybe none of this would have happened.

"That's right," Nadine chimed in, slapping her hand over her heart with an air of bravado. "Who needs those people anyway? They never brought you any joy, just a headache. Being their sister never did you any favors. Come be my sister instead. If you ever need anything, I've got your back."

Hollis nodded, agreeing with Susan. "Susan's right. From now on, treat this as your own family."

In his eyes, Seren was well-mannered, incredibly talented, and hardworking. She'd studied classical painting under Mr. Shaw for over a decade—a testament to her patience and dedication. He was certain she'd achieve great things.

As for what happened three years ago, the details were lost on most people, but Hollis knew the truth. Seren had left for Riverbend City so resolutely because that man had once saved her life. She felt indebted, and her decision was motivated mostly by gratitude.

Susan had brought it up before, suggesting that if the Bradleys wouldn't step up, the Rutledge family would handle it. Out of respect for Zena's pride, she'd held off. But now, there was no reason to hold back. She wanted the Bradleys to see that even if they didn't care for Seren, there were others who would.

After all, it wasn't as if Seren needed them.

Thinking of Zena, Susan's anger flared again. She finally understood why Old Mrs. Rutledge had been so insistent about arrangements. She'd once thought Zena's coldness toward Seren had limits, but now she realized Old Mrs. Rutledge had seen right through her. If a mother could turn her back on her own daughter, what kindness could anyone else expect from her? If Zena could abandon Seren over something like inheritance, who knew what she'd do in the future?

Seren spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Lennon treats me well. He'd never hurt me."

Susan shook her head. "That's not the point, sweetheart. Whether Lennon would hurt you is one thing. But having your own family to stand behind you—that's something else entirely."