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.

eased, a rare nod coming her way. “Well,

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

question. A done

Emery, desperate to keep Carmen happy, handed over the spot

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

losing to Aubree in school, wanted to outshine her in art. But Aubree’s

got in made a name

flying up. “No way! I can’t take Aubree’s

act made Aubree’s

Chapter 2

always chasing clout, they probably wouldn’t even

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

wrong.

damn. Let Carmen have it—she’d

the whole

messing up her hair. “C’mon, kid, why

and nodded.

popped open the box in her hands. “A spot’s cool,

my best stuff’s

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

She couldn’t wait to see if Carmen could still be the family’s golden girl without

dropped. Daxton’s face went blank. Those were

glaring. “Put it

sapphire crown

still see sixteen-year-old Aubree, fresh to the family, tucking it into that

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

her head. “Didn’t you guys

tightened. Sure, they wanted an apology, but not

she give up her prized stuff? Isn’t it everything to

didn’t want Aubree going down a bad path.

voice was sharp. “Aubree, is this an apology

bright and breezy. “Daxton, why you mad? If I’m saying sorry, I gotta go

nothing. It was legit-too legit. Every Wilson knew those