The Queen They Buried

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

“How the hell could Aubree be that good at academics?” Bryan scoffed like he’d just heard the biggest joke in the world.

That look of disdain in Bryan’s eyes stung Emery. There were still so many things in that file his assistant had compiled- things even he hadn’t known about Aubree, things that shocked him. But he hadn’t shared it with the rest of the Wilson family.

Not that it mattered. Even if they saw it, they probably wouldn’t think anything about it. Maybe they’d even turn it around. and blame Aubree for not speaking up. Like it was her fault for staying quiet.

Emery thought, ‘Wouldn’t be surprising if they’re the ones who cause half the problems in the first place.

‘Like how Daxton admitted he told Aubree to hide her grades. Or how Bryan, with all that proof in front of him-someone who can strategize from miles away in the business world-still just sneered at it.

‘Do they really not know what’s going on? Or do they just not give a damn?’

a few deep breaths, trying to calm down. No point going in circles now. What mattered was finding

his forehead. He lit a cigarette and held it between his fingers. “So Emery, you came here

his eyelids slowly, eyes full of mockery. “If I remember right, back when you were still serving, you

whole squad was crammed into one house. Bunch of guys, no supervision. You were too busy looking after Carmen and nearly letting something happen

because that guy was a starting member and there was a big match coming up, you signed a damn waiver as

to the side, eyes flickering with guilt. “I did give

contempt. He said coldly, “Oh yeah? And now he’s out of the league,

The truth was,

if it had been Carmen… that guy would’ve been dragged straight

the blame somehow got turned on Aubree. That she must’ve done

can see you’ve been the kindest to

tensed. He didn’t get what Bryan

for example. I never looked into it, sure. But you think Mom and Dad didn’t call the school? Didn’t check? They just assumed

acted up again, and we left Aubree behind on the mountain. It was pouring that day, and she came down on her own. Mom and I both figured out later

many safer ways to come back down. She could’ve