Watching You Burn In Regret novel Chapter 40

She'd lived in Riverbend City for three years. There was no way Garry had never once set foot in Riverbend during all that time; he just never cared enough to notice her.

To the Powers family, she'd always been nothing more than a stray cat or dog Sheridan brought home—something to be temporarily housed until its fate was decided.

When she kept quiet and stayed out of their way, she made little impact on their lives.

But now, the stray had bitten someone. Diana Yates couldn't handle the aftermath, so Garry finally had to step in.

"Mr. Powers, let me be clear," Seren said. "In these three years, I owe nothing to your family. I don't care about status or money. I just want us to part with dignity when the time comes. Let's not make this harder than it needs to be."

Her voice rose on the last sentence, a deliberate reminder to Garry: she wasn't some pushover, ripe for the taking. If they pushed her too far, she could just as easily take that last shred of dignity off the table.

A loud bang punctuated the end of their call—then the line went dead.

Seren stared at her phone, listening to the relentless tone of the disconnected call. She could imagine Garry's fury as he hurled his phone across the room, and for the first time in years, she felt a wave of vindication. After years of swallowing her pride, finally, she'd stood her ground.

She knew perfectly well Garry would be livid at her words, but she said them anyway.

Why shouldn't she? They'd always done as they pleased with no regard for her feelings—why should she keep worrying about theirs?

She'd simply paid them back in kind.

And honestly, it was better for everyone to lay the cards on the table.

After this, the Powers family—and Sheridan—would probably think twice before shamelessly bothering her again.

That night, she slept in a warm, comfortable bed, the distant river lights flickering like tiny lanterns on the horizon. The city's soft glow painted the night, gentle and dreamlike.

With her head on the pillow, serenaded by the city lights, Seren slept better than she had in ages.

The next morning, she woke early, feeling refreshed and clear-headed. Mornings were perfect for painting—her mind sharp, the house quiet. She decided to head to The Antiquarian's Gallery to get some work done.

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