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.”

out a long sigh. “He still

servants were cleaning up the aftermath. The Wilson

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 about canceling my

bubbling under her skin.

been filled with fireworks celebrating Aubree, and none of them were for her. The spotlight

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Chapter 69

feel their judgment in every glance. Those gazed cut her pride

fault!” Alice snapped at Daxton. “Look

guilt–ridden. “Carmen, I’m

your fault, Daxton. Besides, celebrating for Aubree is a good thing too. It’s all the

in nonchalantly. “Celebrating for Aubree just

At least Aubree had finally

tonight, but it seemed he’d have to wait to give it

Bryan’s reaction was nothing like she had imagined. She thought he

Dad, it’s not like this is the only birthday I’ll ever have. If Aubree is happy,

though, her fury was razor–sharp. ‘Aubree, you pushed me this far. Don’t blame me for what comes

gleamed with

slightly. Something about Carmen’s tone didn’t sit

the other hand, was consumed with thoughts of Aubree and Bowen’s relationship.

had left early to return to

her apparent magnanimity. They never once questioned that the fireworks

Aubree awoke to her

and starting her esports club, Aubree had also set up a Twitter account. Previously, she’d had only

Aubree was stunned.

down, she saw a dark green pendant carved into the

but the chill soon warmed in her palm. Thanks to her recent rise to fame, even the comment section of her

didn’t exist, it would be perfect. But she

now, she jumped out of bed and packed her school bag. The midterm exams were

parked the car a short distance from

campus.

Zachary frowned, scanning the surroundings. “Miss

was a billionaire now.

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