As he spoke, he kept stealing nces at Bowen. ‘Bowen in the flesh!’ he thought excitedly. ‘Big shots from Rithol City would kill for a meeting like this, and here I am, not just meeting him, but sharing a damn table. Hell yeah, I’m gonna brag about this for life.


    Alvin, who was constantly around Bowen, couldn’t fathom why his teammates were making such a big deal.


    “He’s just a regr guy. What’s the big deal about himing to dinner?” Alvin scoffed.


    Even as the captain, Alvin faced relentless bacsh the moment those words left his mouth.


    2′


    ADC and Abe rolled their eyes at Alvin. “Yeah, yeah, we all know you’re Bowen’s nephew. Could you stop flexing already?”


    Alvin just gave them a deadpan look, as if to say, “Seriously?”


    The new midsolo, Van Helsing, nodded in agreement and joked, “Come on, Mr. Turner, have mercy on us peasant yers, will you?”


    Bowen smiled politely.


    Alvin rolled his eyes and teased in his heart, ‘Such a damn show-off.


    ‘There are perks to putting on an act, though. After all, Bowen does have an air of sophistication, and this little disy instantly sent the club members’ admiration for Aubree soaring to new heights.


    “Jokes aside, let’s talk business,” Aubree said.


    Her expression turned serious as she looked around. “So, what did you guys think about today’s match?”


    Apex Squad’s performance was masterfully deceptive. They only threw key teamfights to give up advantages, and they performed normally most of the time. Alvin’s team was solid too, and they capitalized on those openings to take the match.


    As soon as Aubree brought it up, Alvin’s face clouded over. “Do they take us for idiots?” he spat.


    ‘Maybe the audience can’t tell,’ he thought, ‘but as their opponents, how could we not notice? Honestly, this is the most humiliating win I’ve ever had!


    The others didn’t look much happier either. Sure, a win was a win, but being handed victory like this felt like a p in the face.


    Bowen knew they were discussing Apex Squad’s tant match-throwing, but he chose not toment. Instead, he quietly focused on Aubree’s favorite dishes, meticulously preparing and cing portions on her te.


    “But Killian didn’t seem to be throwing the match,” Hector suddenly said.


    The others nodded in agreement.


    “At least he’s got somepetitive spirit,” someone added.


    Killian’s departure from God’s Fury was quite a messy affair, but hispetitive drive never wavered.


    He joined Apex Squad back then because he felt he’d hit a ceiling with God’s Fury. Knowing they couldn’t win the finals, he figured he might as well trade one unwinnable match for a shot at future championship glory.


    “It was probably Emery’s idea,” Aubree said, rubbing her temples with a sigh.


    “Alright, alright. No point overthinking it. It’s not like we forced Apex Squad to throw. If anything goes wrong, we’re the victims here,” Leroy, the topner, said, raising his drink. “Now, let’s toast to our first victory!”


    Because they had matchesing up, nobody touched any alcohol.


    Hector and the others still had to head back to the team base for a post-match debrief, and Alvin was going with them.


    “So, I’ll head back first.” Aubree nced at Bowen. With just the two of them left, the atmosphere suddenly feltpletely different.


    “Okay, can you get back on your own? I need Zachary for something,” Bowen said. Zachary, standing off to the side, hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. Bowen immediately understood that Zachary had something to say.


    ,’


    ‘Since Zachary didn’t say it upfront, that means either he couldn’t, or he wasn’t sure if Aubree should hear those things,’ Bowen thought.


    “Of course, he’s always been your man,” Aubree replied.


    The moment Aubree left, Zachary immediately reported the incident to Bowen.


    He said, “Aubree and I both got physical with Jacob. Knowing what he’s like, I doubt he’ll just let this go.”


    “Jacob?” Bowen snorted coldly. ‘For Jacqueline’s sake, I used to let it slide when Jacob dropped my name around town. But toy a hand on my people? Does he think I’m dead and buried?’


    “Forget about him. Just focus on keeping Bree safe. Go along with what she’s doing. If anyone ends up maimed or in the hospital, that’s all on me,” Bowen said, his eyes ruthless.