Chapter 59
Old Mr. Rutledge gave Zena a stern talking-to in his study. Zena stood there, chin lifted stubbornly, her whole posture radiating defiance.
To her, Old Mr. Rutledge was simply taking Seren’s side again. The rest of his words barely registered.
He shook his head, frustration clear. Zena was always complaining that Seren didn’t respect authority, but in truth, Zena herself had never submitted to it either.
Seeing his lecture was pointless, Old Mr. Rutledge cut it short and swept out of the room.
Carla, ever observant, kept her head down.
At the birthday party, she’d made sure not to catch the eye of any of the young men present—a fact that hadn’t been forgotten by the family. Now, with Zena freshly reprimanded, Carla knew better than to stir up trouble.
She watched Old Mr. Rutledge leave, forcing herself to wait until he was gone before whispering with the maids at the front hall, gossiping about the heated scene that had just unfolded.
She sighed, shaking her head. “Grandpa’s not getting any younger, and yet my sister insists on dragging him into these petty squabbles, turning the whole house upside down. It’s just not right. And airing our dirty laundry in front of everyone? She’s just too rebellious p>
“She really said the Rutledge Group wasn’t Grandpa’s company anymore, and that she didn’t want her shares?” one of the maids whispered, eyes wide with disbelief.
Carla nodded gravely, just as Swain stepped through the door, his expression shifting the moment he heard those words.
He’d been outside, listening to the entire argument.
When Carla noticed Swain, her eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly, playing the innocent as usual.
“Yes, big brother, you heard it. She said it just to upset Mom. I told her not to talk back, but she never listens. Now look how upset Mom is p>
Swain listened, a heavy clarity settling over him. Suddenly, everything made sense.
Seren’s resolve, her coldness-it wasn’t just directed at him. It was for the whole Bradley family.
She wanted to cut ties, to sever every connection.
The answers that had been plaguing him these past few days finally fell into
place, but the clarity left him hollow, not relieved.
He’d watched everything that had happened in the past decade. He, more than anyone, understood just how much Seren had suffered.
He’d always tried to reason with her, to talk sense into her.
Now, faced with her determination, he found he couldn’t say a word.
An outsider sees the truth more clearly, and Swain knew, deep down, that the family was at fault.
He couldn’t blame Seren for walking away.
“Big brother, look-she even hit me. Mom and Dad, even you and our older brothers, none of you have ever laid a hand on me, but she slapped me just now. It still hurts.” with
Carla’s voice trembled net
indignation.
If she hadn’t worried that someone might overhear and spread rumors, she would have slapped Seren back But shed held back letting Seren leave so easily, and the injustice of it burned inside her. ‘
She was sure Swain, who’d always doted on her, would take her side.
Swain’s gaze lingered on Carla’s face. He didn’t need to look closely to see the red mark marring her pale, delicate skin.
“Your sister never resorts to violence unless she’s truly pushed. What did you do to make her so angry?” Swain’s voice was gentle but edged with reproach.
Carla gaped at him, stunned into silence for several seconds before shaking her head furiously. “No, big brother, I didn’t do anything p>
Swain rubbed his forehead, suddenly too tired to argue.
“Carla, don’t make a scene over this. I’m exhausted. I’m going to my room p>
The realization that Seren truly wanted nothing more to do with them left Swain’s thoughts in disarray. He couldn’t think straight
fet alone deal with Carla’s dramatics.
Carla stared after him, lost and bewildered.
Swain had always been her protector. Whenever she scraped her knee or bumped her head, he’d fuss over her, worry etched on his face.
But today, after Seren slapped her, Swain hadn’t defended her. He hadn’t even wanted to hear her out.
Carla could feel it—her big brother’s attitude toward her had changed. It had started at that birthday party.
The change was subtle, but Carla, always hypersensitive, had picked up on it.
She lowered her head, fists clenched tight.
Had Seren said something to Swain? Was that why he was suddenly seeing her differently?
Just then, the door opened again.
“Carla, are you alright?” Slater entered, wearing sweats and looking utterly worn
out.
He’d been swamped with work on the NE partnership, barely keeping his head above water.
But when he caught sight of Carla, the exhaustion seemed to lift from his shoulders.
Seeing Slater, Carla’s spirits revived.