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.”

long sigh. “He still can’t

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

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

was bubbling under her skin. It was

her. The spotlight that should have belonged to her had been stolen in the

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Chapter 69

said anything to her face, Carmen could feel their judgment in every glance. Those gazed cut her pride in pined. All because

snapped at

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

celebrating for Aubree is a good thing too. It’s

chimed in nonchalantly. “Celebrating for Aubree

little relieved. At least Aubree had finally had a proper

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

like she had imagined. She thought he would comfort her

like this is the only birthday I’ll ever have. If Aubree is happy, that’s good enough for

‘Aubree, you pushed me this far. Don’t blame me for what comes

eyes gleamed

frowned slightly. Something about

the other hand, was consumed with thoughts of Aubree and Bowen’s relationship. He bitterly regretted letting Aubree go so

left early to return to

and Alice remained. Their hearts ached over Carmen’s humiliation, but moved by her apparent magnanimity. They never once questioned that the fireworks were clearly never meant for Carmen, nor that the

Aubree awoke

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

Aubree was stunned.

pendant carved into the shape of a leaf. The

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

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

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

the way to school, Zachary parked the car a short distance from

campus.

the surroundings. “Miss Miller,

kind of person?” She was a billionaire now. Being targeted wasn’t out of the

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