The Queen They Buried

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Aubree stepped into the mansion’s main hall, and all eyes were glued to Carmen, shining like a star in the spotlight.

Daxton and Emery stood by her like loyal guard dogs ready to protect their queen.

Aubree’s arrival sparked a buzz. Whispers of pity, smirks, and shade-she felt every stare itching for her to flop.

A bitter grin crossed her face. Everyone knew she was the Wilson family’s punching bag, yet she’d once believed their cold hearts might warm up to her.

In Rithol City, where cash flowed like water, the Wilsons were top-tier.

Her dad, Ronald, went from nothing to a finance show regular, riding every market wave like a boss. Her mom, Alice Diamonde, was a fashion designer with a brand killing it abroad.

And her four brothers? Straight-up legends.

Bryan, the eldest, ran the family empire and was the city’s prime catch.

Daxton, a genius doc, had his own lab.

Trevor, the third, was a movie star who could make a dead body scene go viral.

Emery, once an esports champ, now owned Apex Squad, the top dog in gaming.

Being their favorite? Tough to resist. But Aubree exhaled slowly. That was over.

She was a senior now. One year left. She’d focus on herself-ace her exams, get into her dream college, stack some cash, and cut the Wilsons out of her life for good.

Daxton’s face soured at the sight of her suitcase. “What’s with the bag? You pulling some crap again?” he snapped, eyebrows scrunched.

Emery’s lips twitched. That suitcase looked familiar.

“I’m here to apologize to Carmen, like you wanted,” Aubree said, voice flat.

way. “Well,

grinned. “Aubree, you’re finally stepping up,” he said, eyes warm. “Me and Dax talked. We’re

question.

didn’t flinch. Same as her old life. Emery, desperate to keep Carmen happy, handed over the

to keep her smiling, Aubree-who could’ve crushed her classes-was forced

mad about losing to Aubree in school, wanted to outshine her in art. But Aubree’s talent was

kid who got in made a name in

“No way! I can’t take

made

Chapter 2

wasn’t always chasing clout, they probably wouldn’t even care,

old life, Aubree would’ve been crushed, wondering why her stuff always went

wrong.

She didn’t give a damn. Let Carmen have it—she’d just crash

was over the

pulled Carmen into a quick hug, messing up

and nodded. “Yeah, what’s the

in her hands. “A

best stuff’s in

every gift the Wilsons had given her since she came back three

with them, step by step. She couldn’t wait to see if Carmen could still be the

Daxton’s face went blank. Those

glaring. “Put it

was a lake-blue case with a sapphire crown he’d bought with his

it into that white box, wiping it clean

cheeks glowed as she grinned. “Emery, this is my

her head. “Didn’t you guys tell

Sure, they wanted an apology,

prized stuff?

just didn’t want Aubree going down a bad path. ‘Is that

sharp. “Aubree, is this an apology or you

bright and breezy. “Daxton, why you mad? If

was legit-too legit. Every Wilson knew those gifts were Aubree’s whole