Chapter 265
In the grand auditorium, Aubree stood at center stage. The front row was packed with school and education officials. Of course, Bowen, whose exceptionally dazzling smile stood out.
Aubree’s gaze swept past Bowen, and she flashed him a toothy, defiant grin.
With a slight lift of her gaze, Aubree took in the scene. Aside from the officials, the rest of the attendees included students‘ parents, the press corps, and, of course, the entire Wilson family.
Every single member of the Wilson family was present, except for Emery, who was serving time. Even Trevor had shown up, fully disguised and tucked away in the farthest corner.
Aubree coldly thought, ‘Perfect. They’re all here.‘
A cold glint flashed in Aubree’s eyes as she thought again, ‘Since they’re so eager to hear, I’ll make sure they get an earful!‘
The moment Aubree took the mic, the reporters below couldn’t hold back. They asked questions one after another.
Entrepreneur, genius–these identities were already old news. Compared to those, Aubree had an even more attention–grabbing identity: the disowned heiress of the Wilson family.
Aubree answered without a hint of hesitation. “Compared to that label,” she said coldly, “I’d much rather be an orphan.”
The audience erupted in shocked murmurs.
Wasn’t she cursing the Wilson family?
Aubree shrugged and said, “I’m sure most of you know the Wilson family and I are sworn enemies. When I first started my business, they attacked me both openly and behind the scenes. I gave as good as I got. So I despise any identity linked to the Wilson family, and I certainly don’t see myself as one of them. I went missing at five and didn’t return to the Wilson family until I was fifteen. For three years, I endured countless brutal beatings and punishments. Any debt of gratitude has long been repaid. Now, all that’s left is nothing but hatred.
“My so–called family was wiped out by the time I was five. After they were all gone, I grew up in an orphanage. It was Mr. Quinn who sponsored me so that i could eat, have clothes to wear, and have books to read. That’s the only reason I’m alive today. The only person I’ll ever thank is Mr. Quinn, the benefactor, whose appearance I do not know.
“So, I’d appreciate it if you, the media, could do me this favor: from now on, in any stories about me, please leave the Wilson family out of it entirely.”
Aubree smiled, her tone laced with just the right amount of mischief.
Upon hearing her words, the crowd erupted into an uproar.
Though her tone remained outwardly calm, every word dripped with
seething hatred.
Aubree never bothered hiding her utter loathing for the Wilson family. That
nonsense about “leaving each other alone“? Bullshit. She was the avenging fury returned to claim their lives. What she wanted was the complete ruin of the Wilson family, to see every last one of them reap what they’d sown. The best outcome? Their totat extinction.
The reporters instantly grasped the subtext. Aubree was drawing a clear line. She had no connection to the Wilson family, and for better or worse, neither side was to exploit the other,
The reporters didn’t dwell on it. Laughing it off, they decided to do her the favor and quickly moved on to other questions.
Some asked about her essays, others about her journey so far. Aubree, with a bright, unflappable smile, answered every question with ease.
Seated in the audience, Bowen gazed at Aubree on stage with such tenderness in his eyes it could have flooded the entire auditorium–enough to make
onlookers‘ skin crawl.
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Chapter 265
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On the other side of the crowd, Bryan buried his face in his hands, tears streaming down as short, choked sobs escaped his throat.
Tears rolled down Bryan’s face–mere droplets, but for a man of his stoic nature, it was nothing short of extraordinary. ‘Aubree… my little sister!‘ thought Quinn.
Ever since Bryan learned that Alice had deliberately abandoned Aubree, Bryan’s guilt and regret had reached unbearable levels. He could never forget standing by Aubree’s crib when she was born, silently vowing, “I’ll protect my baby sister no matter what.”
However, what had he done?
When Aubree first came back, I meant to make it up to her… But how did everything go so wrong? Bryan thought, his heart heavy with regret.
