The Queen They Buried

Chapter 69

“This one’s my birthday wish for you!” Hector leaned over the railing, pointing excitedly at the fireworks in the sky.

Matilda pointed to the next one. “And that one’s mine.”

“Bree, may you always be safe and at peace.”

Seeing that nickname, Aubree instinctively turned around. Bowen was behind her, smiling softly. “That one’s from me.”

“Thank you all so much!” Aubree threw her arms around the nearest person, Matilda. “Thank you, all of you. This is the most romantic, most wonderful birthday I’ve ever had.”

“Silly girl. We’ll celebrate every year,” Matilda said, hugging her back.

Meanwhile, across the river where the wind bit like knives, Ollie stood shivering. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, dressed in a sharp surt with his hair slicked back. Autumn had arrived, and the temperature had dropped.

In front of him were the empty firework boxes.

“Damn it! That bastard!” Ollie cursed through chattering teeth. “I thought he called me out to celebrate Aubree’s birthday. Turns out I’m just here to light fireworks so he could impress her!”

He had even dressed up for the occasion, only to be left standing around freezing.

As the president of Turner Group, Bowen could ask anyone to do this job.

However, Bowen said it was too important to entrust to an outsider. Ollie scoffed. He bet Bowen was just afraid he’d steal the spotlight at the party.

Beside him stood another man. It was Mark. He was tall and imposing, with a buzz cut and a stoic face. “What’s Bowen been up to lately?” Mark asked. “Last time I came back from a mission and finally got some leave, he popped into Nightworld for five minutes and ghosted.”

And he asked them to set off fireworks. Mark thought Bowen must be bored out of his damn mind.

“Remember that girl Bowen used to sponsor at the orphanage?” Ollie asked, his voice more serious now.

At that, Mark looked up at the sky again. The fireworks had faded. “So it’s her.”

He said, “I’ve been digging into the truth behind what really happened with Bowen’s brother and sister–in–law. I’m finally starting to piece things together.”

He added, “Alvin is keeping close tabs on it too… but I don’t know whether the truth will bring peace or more pain.”

a long sigh. “He still can’t let it go,

had long dispersed. Housekeepers and servants were cleaning up the aftermath. The Wilson family sat clustered in the

in hand and face twisted with fury. “I made some calls. Bowen ordered those fireworks before I even did. They were custom- made. The factory had already notified me

stiffly, clutching her knees. Rage was bubbling under her skin. It

with fireworks celebrating Aubree, and none of them were for her. The spotlight that should

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Chapter 69

could feel their judgment in

is all your fault!” Alice snapped at Daxton. “Look

I’m sorry. I embarrassed

Daxton. Besides, celebrating for Aubree

It’s all the same,” Bryan chimed in nonchalantly. “Celebrating for Aubree just lets everyone know today’s

a little relieved. At least Aubree had finally had a proper

in his pocket. He’d thought Aubree might come back tonight, but it seemed he’d have to wait to give it to

she had imagined. She thought he would comfort

Mom, Dad, it’s not like this is the only birthday I’ll ever have. If Aubree is happy, that’s good enough for me,” she said with

was razor–sharp. ‘Aubree, you pushed me this far.

gleamed with

Something about

thoughts of Aubree and

had left early to return to

once questioned that the fireworks were clearly never meant for Carmen, nor that

awoke to her phone

the splash online. Since registering her company and starting her esports club, Aubree had also set up a Twitter account. Previously, she’d had only a handful of bot followers. Overnight, she gained a million. She was nearly on par with some rising

Aubree was stunned.

Her fingers paused. Looking down, she saw a dark green pendant carved

was cool to the touch, but the chill soon warmed in her palm. Thanks to her recent

gift. If only the Wilson family didn’t exist, it would be perfect. But she would reclaim every ounce

and packed her school bag. The midterm exams were coming up, and she couldn’t afford

the way to school, Zachary parked the car a short

campus.

surroundings. “Miss Miller, someone’s watching the

She was a billionaire now. Being targeted wasn’t out

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