Chapter 24
Among their peers-most of whom still leaned on their parents and coasted on family money-Slater was considered a standout. He had every reason to be brimming with confidence.
So confident, in fact, that it tipped into arrogance—he looked down on everyone, untouchable in his own eyes.
To Seren, Slater had never even bothered to look at her directly. Whenever she thought of him, the first thing that came to mind was that particular look of disdain he reserved just for her.
When she had first returned to the Bradley family, he criticized her for everything her smile was too toothy, her posture too sloppy.
If she spoke, she was too loud; if she kept quiet, he called her a mute. Whatever she did, he found a fault.
Seren would have preferred to avoid Slater altogether, but the car window was down, and she had no choice but to meet his sharp, assessing gaze.
There was no escape. Seren could only get out of the car and, trying to keep things civil, greeted him with a soft, “Hey, Slater p>
He barely spared her a glance before turning away.
“Mom said the Powers family called, looking for you. She’s too busy to get involved, so she called me and told me to find you and drive you back to Riverbend City,” he said, his voice laced with open annoyance and disgust.
If Zena hadn’t called him, he wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with Seren’s
mess.
He’d only heard bits and pieces about Seren’s time with the Rutledge family from Swain.
Seren didn’t hesitate. “I’m not going back p>
She and Slater were close in age, attended the same school, and she had always admired his intelligence and stellar grades.
If Zena couldn’t talk sense into her, often Slater could. Seren generally did as he said.
But to Slater, Seren was nothing more than a timid fool, never daring to think for herself.
He had never imagined that the girl who always did as she was told would ever say “no” to him.
A barely noticeable frown flickered across his face. He checked his watch, impatience etched deep into his proud expression.
“Seren, I’m busy. It’s three o’clock now. After I drive you back to Riverbend City, I’ll have to head straight back. Tomorrow’s Carla’s birthday, and I promised her I’d organize her party. I don’t have time to waste on you p>
Even though she’d already decided to cut ties with the Bradley family, Seren couldn’t help the ache in her chest.
She and Carla were both Slater’s sisters, yet they couldn’t have been treated more differently.
She had never done anything wrong, but she was always the one who was resented and rejected.
All she’d ever wanted was a warm, loving home, but everyone went out of their way to shut her out.
She was discarded like something useless.
A bitter smile crept onto Seren’s face. Sometimes she almost wished she were an orphan, but the cruel reality was-she was not.
“Seren isn’t going back to Riverbend City with you,” came a quiet voice.
Lennon had opened the car door and stepped out.
He hadn’t intervened earlier, not
because he was unwilling, but because he’d recognized Slater as Seren’s older brother and didn’t want to step into their family’s affairs, even though he was Serens husband.
Slater turned at the sound and, for a moment, looked stunned to see Lennon.
“Mr. Crestwell? What are you doing here p>
Slater knew Lennon well enough. His
company did business with NE
Group Lennon’s company-and NE was their biggest client. Truthfully, his company was practically dependent on NE’s goodwill.
All the arrogance drained from Slater’s face when he saw Lennon.
He might look down on everyone else in Seaside City, but Lennon was definitely the exception.
After all, in terms of power and influence, Lennon was in a league far above his
own.
Lennon glanced at Seren. “I drove her back p>
Slater’s glare at Seren turned ice cold.
“What did you do this time, Seren? Why would Mr. Crestwell personally drive you home p>
He didn’t know what had happened, but he was sure Seren must have pulled
some underhanded trick to get Lennon involved.
Her situation with Sheridan was
already a mess, and now she was entangled
the beau With Lennon too. She had
the beauty but lacked the judgment-shameless, and a
complete embarrassment.
His anger flared. Without warning, he strode over and grabbed Seren’s wrist in a
punishing grip.
“Get in the car. Now p>