The Queen They Buried

Standing before Bree Technology, Bryan gazed at the now well–established company, his heart filled with both awe and unease,

‘Who would’ve thought that the plain little duckling from back then could achieve all this?‘ Bryan couldn’t help but worry, ‘Will Aubree even want to see me? And if she does, will she still trust me?‘

For a fleeting moment, Bryan’s eyes glazed over as he recalled the simple, unassuming girl from three years ago who always stood behind him, gazing up

at his back.

She used to say, “Bryan, you’re amazing! Running such a huge company! Can I study finance when I grow up? Then I could help you at your company.”

She also said, “Bryan, I heard Dad started from scratch, and you are already a successful young man. If I, as your little sister, build my business empire one day, will people mention me alongside you and Dad when they talk about our family?”

“But now… Bryan’s throat went dry as he thought, a bitter ache rising within him.

True to his word, Ronald had Bryan relieved of his position as chairman. When his father told him about Playzy streamers inducing minors to spend money, Bryan, being a businessman himself, knew all too well that if they couldn’t handle it properly, Playzy could collapse.

Bryan let out a sigh.

He understood his father’s intentions. ‘I don’t want to hurt Aubree again, Bryan thought. ‘But this matter had to be dealt with. I’ll return to the Wilson family first. As for everything else, there’ll always be a way.‘

With these thoughts in mind, Bryan agreed when Ronald asked him to talk to Aubree.

Vincent soon came over and told Bryan to go in.

Hearing this, Bryan hurried to follow Vincent’s lead.

Vincent said, “Who would’ve thought the young boss of the Wilson Group would visit our company in person? Mr. Wilson, you must be here to discuss some Playzy collaborations with Ms. Miller, right?”

Hearing this, Bryan shifted uncomfortably and replied, “Sort of.”

Vincent then said, “You’re too modest, Mr. Wilson. Partnering with Wilson Group is our privilege, though that’s just my personal opinion. The final decision rests with Ms. Miller. It is her office. Please go right in.”

Vincent assumed Bryan was just like those other company bosses sniffing around Playzy for a piece of the pie now that it was booming, coming to Aubree to discuss a partnership.

He couldn’t help but feel smug, thinking, ‘This job just keeps getting better. With the Turner Group backing us, even the Wilson Group is now actively seeking us out for collaboration.”

a bitterness too profound for

here to discuss a partnership, even if it were the Wilson Group, she still wouldn’t

only real possibility is that Aubree can’t bear to see her life’s work destroyed and, for the sake of Playzy’s hidden crisis, may

and motioned

at her desk, her computer screen

As your brother, I’m so proud of how far

expression laced with disgust. “Proud?

angry and call me pretentious, like I was just trying to steal the spotlight. Honestly, I always thought that you’d never let

‘No, it’s not like

excuse sounded hollow and pathetic,

afraid, afraid that if Aubree grew beyond his reach,

defeat. “I… As your brother,

you don’t deserve in front of me, Bryan. Get to the

clenched. Even though he’d braced himself, facing Aubree’s cold, disdainful demeanor still left him breathless. He struggled to get the words out, “It’s about Playzy. Dad’s been watching it closely lately

“If things get serious, you might need to shut down the entire Playzy platform. Dad wants you to come home so we

laughter. “Ronald? ‘Discussing solutions‘? Are you sure it’s not just another ploy to make me hand over my

in Aubree’s tone, yet found himself powerless to counter

exactly what Dad intends,’ he

with an air of effortless elegance. She looked at Bryan and said coolly, “Don’t tell me you don’t know exactly what would happen if I went back

to

it!”

orphanage. But soon after, when Carmen had a competition coming

to believe your lies! You pulled some strings to swap my competition painting with Carmen’s. She got all the fame, while I got threatened

looked at Bryan with a mocking smile and asked, “When you were all celebrating Carmen’s first prize, did it

accuse me of being dramatic and making a scene. Wasn’t I justified in making a fuss? Bryan, do you even remember what you said back

lowered

course, he remembered every single word he’d

brought you back was to secure Carmen’s first place. Did you think you deserved

sorry!” Bryan apologized, his

Aubree no longer needed his empty