Chapter 320
Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without presents.
Ollie got the ball rolling by hauling out an exquisitely wrapped, rather sizable gift box. Grinning, he said, ‘Bree, every single item in here was handpicked by yours truly. Make sure you take your time to go through them when you return to your room.”
He practically purred the last few words, which were heavy with innuendo.
Bowen shot a look at the gift box, one eyebrow arching ever so slightly.
Nina gave Aubree a bracelet from a niche brand. “I bought this at the official store. I think it really suits your style, Ms. Miller, she said earnestly.
It was a blue and purple bracelet. Aubree was quite taken with it and put it on right away.
Alvin’s gift was as straightforward as it could be. He simply gave her a gift card. “I didn’t know what you’d like. Just buy whatever you want.”
Likewise, his words were concise and to the point. Aubree accepted the gift card with a grin. “Now that’s a practical gift.”
The most unexpected gift came from Mark. She assumed it would be some jewelry or luxury itemn, but instead, he gave her a plain brown envelope.
I heard that your command of Odionlandian was somewhat shaky. And you still have to cram for those language exams.
Aubree’s heart sank at this point.
“Here are some study materials I prepared for you. I have checked them. They’re from renowned teachers and come highly recommended,” Mark
said.
Mark was very… thoughtful indeed.
Aubree smiled awkwardly. “Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it. If you still feel that’s not quite enough, I can even arrange private tutors or extra classes for you.”
“No… that’s fine. I should be able to handle those exams myself,” Aubree politely declined.
Mark continued earnestly, “I can even help you prepare for the Business Grade Test Series.”
Aubree thought to herself, ‘You can’t be serious…‘
Her eyelid twitched a few times as she glanced at Nina. Apparently, Mark had been pursuing Nina for years, yet he had never once held her hand.
“Well, the reason is clear now,” Aubree thought.
Aubree forced a smile as she accepted Mark’s “gift.”
Nina kept her head lowered and tried not to laugh. She recalled that unexpected night she spent with Mark. She still couldn’t tell if he was simply stubborn or just plain dense. He had insisted on “taking responsibility” and just wouldn’t leave her alone, even though she wanted no part of it.
After dinner, it was time to hit the hot spring pools.
Star Lake Hot Spring Resort offered a luxury spa experience with excellent privacy. The group split up and headed for the separate men’s and women’s pools, respectively,
Ollie glanced left and right at Mark and Bowen with a look of mock disbelief. “I can’t believe you two aren’t going to make a move!”
Mark chuckled wickedly. “You think I went out of my way to ask Nina along just to look at her?”
Ollie’s eyes lit up. ‘Gosh! Even this blockhead is finally getting smart!”
The story between Mark and Nina went back a number of years. Nina was highly skilled in martial arts. After the Turner family’s eldest son had an accident, it was the senior Mr. Turner who stepped in to hold the fort. Later, when Bowen Turner took over the Turner Group, there were plenty of people just waiting to bring him down.
For security and convenience, Bowen always had Nina accompany him to dinner events.
Mark and Nina first met when they got into a fight because of a misunderstanding. That brawl turned out to be the proverbial Cupid’s arrow that shot into his heart.
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12:57 PM
Chapter 320
The second time they met, Nina took a drink meant for Bowen and ended up getting drugged, which led to an accidental night with Mark. However, Nina had zero interest in spoiled rich brats like him who were all philandering profligates.
No matter how hard Mark tried to get her attention, Nina just acted like he didn’t exist. And this continued until now.
Bowen gave Ollie a cryptic smirk. Haven’t you already set everything up for me?”
Ollie shuddered. ‘Damn this bro!‘
In the women’s changing room, Aubree was changing out of her clothes.
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