Chapter 124
Chapter 124
Carmen’s smile faltered. Bryan’s reaction was nothing like she had imagined. She thought he would comfort her or scold Aubree for stealing her thunder.
“Bryan’s right. It’s fine. Mom, Dad, it’s not like this is the only birthday I’ll ever have. If Aubree is happy, that’s good enough for me,” she said with a smile full of forced generosity.
Inside, though, her fury was razor-sharp. ‘Aubree, you pushed me this far. Don’t blame me for what comes next.
Her eyes gleamed with malice.
Bryan frowned slightly. Something about Carmen’s tone didn’t sit right.
Ronald, on the other hand, was consumed with thoughts of Aubree and Bowen’s relationship. He bitterly regretted letting Aubree go so easily.
Trevor had left early to return to her filming schedule.
Only Daxton 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 “surprise” belonged entirely to someone else.
The next morning, Aubree awoke to her phone buzzing nonstop.
The fireworks Bowen had set off had made quite the splash online. Since registering her company and starting her esports club, Aubree had also 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 with some rising celebrities.
Aubree was stunned.
She instinctively reached 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 was Bowen’s birthday gift.
She clasped it in her hand. It was cool to the touch, but the chill soon warmed in her palm. Thanks to her recent rise to fame, even the comment section of her latest ad was flooded with blessings from strangers.
Aubree smiled faintly. Living again really was a gift. If only the Wilson family didn’t exist, it would be perfect. But she would reclaim every ounce of pain she had suffered in the past timeline.
For now, she jumped out of bed and packed her school bag. The midterm exams were coming up, and she couldn’t afford to slack. Her goal was top 50.
As usual, on the way to school, Zachary parked the car a short distance from the school. Aubree just needed to walk through an alley to reach the campus.
But today, Zachary frowned, scanning the surroundings. “Miss Miller, someone’s watching the area.”
“What kind of person?” She was a billionaire now. Being targeted wasn’t out of the question.
Aubree instantly grew alert.
Zachary observed closely. “A few girls… around your age.”
1/2
pm
Chapter 124
Aubree quickly pieced it together.
In the past timeline, the bullying gang that tormented Aubree was secretly backed by Carmen. It was her personal hit squad for dealing with anyone who displeased her.
They had once targeted her for being smarter, prettier, and briefly admired by Alvin.
They were also the ones responsible for the death of Matilda’s friend.
Even though she had reopened the case, the lack of evidence meant those girls had only been expelled for bullying, not criminally prosecuted. And now they dared show up again.
Aubree chuckled coldly. She already had a plan.
They were all civilized people, and no need for fists and knives in the shadows.
She leaned over to Zachary. “Here’s what you’ll do…”
Zachary hesitated. “But what if you get hurt?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve been training. I might not be able to beat them, but I can keep them from laying a finger on me.” Aubree opened the door and walked off, swinging her school bag over one shoulder.
The moment she stepped out, the girls watching her immediately alerted someone.
As she entered the alley, three delinquent girls with dyed hair and tattoos appeared ahead. The leader had a cigarette dangling from her lips. “Well, well. Isn’t this Miss Miller? Look at you. Such a big shot.”
Aubree took two steps back. Turning around, she saw two more girls closing in. She was trapped.
From her quick scan, at least three of them were carrying weapons.
Aubree smirked. Their weapons were enough to get them locked up for a couple of years.
