The Queen They Buried

Chapter 201

As Christmas approached, Aubree handed out generous bonuses to her employees and announced the holiday schedule.

“Miss Miller, a woman named Alice claims to be your mother and wishes to see you. Vincent knew exactly who Alice was, which was why he hesitated and came to ask for instructions.

Aubree was about to refuse when she reconsidered. “Let her come up.”

Bowen’s words about Alice possibly faking her mental illness echoed in her mind. Today might be the perfect opportunity to best that

Alice, clutching her handbag, was escorted into the conference room,

“Miss Miller will be here shortly. Let me know if you need anything, Ms. Diamonde.” The receptionist was none other than Birgitte

Vincent had assigned someone else, but Birgitte insisted on handling it herself. In the entire company, no one was more fiercely loyal to Aubree than Birgitte, not evon Vincent could compete.

Once, a now employee had gossiped about Aubree behind her back. Birgitte overheard and had them fired on the spot.

Aubree found it amusing. “People can say whatever they want. I just ignore it.”

Birgitte remained stubborn. “If I don’t hear it, fine. But if I do, they’re gone.”

Alice requested coffee. Birgitto “graciously fetched a packet of instant coffee, poured hot water over it, and served it without ceremony. Just then, Aubree walked in.

“Well? What do you want?”

Seeing that Aubree had agreed to meet, Alice dared to hope things weren’t beyond repair.

ay from the Wilsons forever. But absence made the heart grow fonder, and Alice couldn’t risk Carmen’s position being

Ideally, Aubree would stay far away undermined.

“Christmas’s coming up. I wanted to ask if you’d join us at the hot spring island. A family celebration.”

Carmen had been raised under Alice’s doting care, and her acting skills were impeccable. As her mother, Alice was no amateur eithe

Aubree nearly scoffed. The eagerness was all an act. If she actually agreed, Alice would be seething.

“Pass, I’d rather not end up in the hospital again,” Aubree said, rolling her eyes.

When the Wilsons first bought the island for Carmen, they’d called it a “family trip. Aubree knew no gift awaited her, but the word family had struck a chord. She didn’t care about birthdays or presents, she just wanted to be included.

tried to win Carmen’s favor, hoping good behavior would earn

Instead, Alice punished her.

to

believed she deserved it. Even hospitalized afterward, she didn’t blame Alice, she blamed herself for failing to

up.

guilt, but discomfort.

paled, not

was completely at

you show up, it’s the same old song. I’m bored. Let’s talk about something

document across

her heart skipped a beat. It was the exact same agreement Aubree had brought to the

“I won’t sign

rush to refuse.” Aubree smiled coldly. “I said we’re discussing

eyes landed on them, her face

Aubree get

for them, but Aubree pinned her hand down. “Alice, who do you

Do

gulped the terrible coffee, grimacing

had clearly come

do I know? Oh, quite a bit.” Aubree tapped her chin mock

was at the orphanage when I was ten. You visited, but

know?”

psychosis, mistaking Carmen for me. That’s

She watched Alice closely

first claim made Alice tense. The second, about her “illness“, made

Aubree narrowed her eyes.

Alice was about to play

was take,

went blank. She searched Aubree’s face, desperate to know if this

to the pain for focus. “I don’t know what you mean, I had severe PTSD. That’s no

was clear. Even if Aubree tried to use this as leverage against her, it would be

She had her

With concrete evidence, she could turn the Wilsons

done here. Get

back when a knock interrupted her. It

down her