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.

scowl eased, a rare nod coming her way. “Well, damn. About time

“Me and Dax talked. We’re giving your Rithol Art School camp spot to

a question. A

as her old life. Emery, desperate to keep Carmen happy, handed over the

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

to Aubree in school, wanted to outshine her in art. But Aubree’s talent was unreal. She

got in made

gasped, hands flying up. “No way! I can’t take Aubree’s spot! Dax, Em, take it

act made

Chapter 2

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

life, Aubree would’ve been crushed, wondering why her

wrong.

damn. Let Carmen have it—she’d just

the whole

hug, messing up

grinned and nodded. “Yeah, what’s

box in her hands.

best stuff’s in here.

given her since

cut every tie with them, step by step. She couldn’t wait to see

Daxton’s face went blank. Those were Aubree’s

glaring.

a sapphire crown he’d bought with his first big

could still see sixteen-year-old Aubree, fresh to the family, tucking it into that white box, wiping it clean even though it

glowed as she grinned. “Emery, this is

tilted her head. “Didn’t you guys tell

throat tightened. Sure, they wanted an apology, but

give up her prized stuff? Isn’t it

just didn’t want Aubree going down

“Aubree, is this an apology or you just throwing

breezy. “Daxton, why you mad? If I’m saying

Every Wilson knew those