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

Wilson family’s estate, the guests had long dispersed. Housekeepers and servants were cleaning up the aftermath. The Wilson family sat clustered in the

in, phone in hand and face twisted with fury. “I made some calls. Bowen ordered those fireworks before I even

bubbling under her skin. It was

and none of them were for her. The

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Chapter 69

Carmen could feel their judgment in every glance.

your fault!” Alice snapped at

“Carmen, I’m sorry. I embarrassed

forced a tight smile. “It’s not your fault, Daxton. Besides, celebrating for Aubree is a good thing too. It’s all

same,” Bryan chimed in nonchalantly. “Celebrating for Aubree just lets everyone know today’s our sisters‘

relieved. At

thought Aubree might come back tonight, but it

nothing like she had imagined. She thought he would comfort her or

like this is the only birthday I’ll ever have. If Aubree is happy,

pushed me this

eyes gleamed

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

consumed with thoughts of Aubree and Bowen’s

to return to

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 “surprise” belonged entirely

morning, Aubree awoke to her phone

club, Aubree had also set up a Twitter account. Previously, she’d had only a handful of

Aubree was stunned.

for her neck. Her fingers paused. Looking down, she saw a dark green pendant carved into the shape of a leaf. The memory came flooding back. It

chill soon warmed in her palm. Thanks

it would be perfect. But she would reclaim every ounce of pain she had suffered in the past

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

way to school, Zachary parked the

campus.

today, Zachary frowned, scanning the surroundings. “Miss

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

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