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.”

“He still

dispersed. Housekeepers and servants were cleaning up

fireworks before I even did. They were custom- made. The factory had already notified me about canceling my order, but I’ve

under her skin. It was her most humiliating

were for her. The spotlight that should

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Chapter 69

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

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

guilt–ridden. “Carmen, I’m sorry. I embarrassed

a tight smile. “It’s not your fault, Daxton. Besides, celebrating

in nonchalantly. “Celebrating for Aubree just lets everyone know today’s our sisters‘

he was even a little relieved. At least Aubree had finally had a

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

she had imagined. She thought

only birthday I’ll ever have. If Aubree is happy, that’s good enough for me,” she said with a smile

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

eyes gleamed

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

of Aubree

left early to

never once questioned that the fireworks were clearly never meant for

awoke

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

Aubree was stunned.

fingers paused. Looking down, she saw a dark green pendant carved into the shape of a

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

didn’t exist, it would be perfect.

and packed her school bag. The midterm exams were coming up, and she couldn’t afford to slack. Her goal was top

Zachary parked the car a short

campus.

the surroundings.

kind of person?” She was a billionaire now.

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