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.

nod coming her way. “Well, damn. About

eyes warm. “Me and Dax talked.

a question. A done

Emery, desperate to keep Carmen happy, handed over the spot without

to keep her smiling, Aubree-who could’ve

wanted to outshine her in art. But Aubree’s talent

made a name

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

made

Chapter 2

Carmen wasn’t always chasing clout, they probably wouldn’t even care, she thought to

been crushed, wondering why

wrong.

a damn. Let Carmen have it—she’d

the whole art scene this

pulled Carmen into a quick hug, messing up her hair.

grinned and nodded. “Yeah, what’s the

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

best stuff’s in here.

given her since she came

by step. She couldn’t wait to see if Carmen could still

Daxton’s face went blank.

glaring. “Put

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

glowed as she grinned. “Emery,

“Didn’t you

wanted an

stuff?

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

sharp. “Aubree, is this

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

had nothing. It was legit-too legit. Every Wilson knew those gifts were Aubree’s whole