“So eager to have me return to the Wilson family, are you?” Aubree casually took a seat.


    In stark contrast to their former domineering attitude, Ronald and Bryan, who once lorded over her now stood before her, their faces wearing carefully feigned pleading expressions.


    While Ronald was still mulling over her words, Bryan was already lighting up with excitement. “Bree, you’re really willing toe back with us?” he eximed.


    “Of course. It’s just going home-why wouldn’t I?” Aubree met his gaze, a knowing smile ying on her lips.


    Bryan was so overwhelmed by this unexpected joy that he could barely think straight. ‘Wait? Is this real? She’s actually willing to return to the Wilson family? She’s really going to forgive me?’ he wondered.


    Bryan’s eyes gleamed with intense excitement. Before he could offer any more sweet promises, Aubree spoke up again.


    “Hand over every single share of the Wilson Group you own, and I’lle back. How about it? Haven’t you been begging me to return? Not a bad deal for you, is it?” A sly smile yed on Aubree’s lips-she knew better than anyone that the Wilson family would have to be out of their minds to ever agree to her terms.


    Bryan froze, the words hitting him like a bucket of ice water.


    Bryan’s soaring spirits crashed into the abyss, the eager gleam in his eyes snuffed out in an instant.


    Aubree said, “Unwilling, are you? Bryan, weren’t you so desperate for my forgiveness before that you were practically tearing yourself apart?


    “And now you won’t even part with your precious Wilson Group shares? Didn’t you always say you regretted what you did to me? Then prove it-hand over your shares and beg for my forgiveness.”


    “Bryan, just hand over your shares of the Wilson Group and I’ll forgive you. I promise I’ll wipe the te clean and never bring up the past again. How about that?” Aubree rose to her feet, a deceptively serene smile on her lips as she advanced step by step toward Bryan.


    Bryan’s face turned ashen. With each step Aubree took forward, he instinctively took a step back.


    “Aubree, I-” Bryan’s voice shook, the words catching in his throat.


    Aubree’s expression hardened abruptly. She snapped at Bryan, “Since you’re so unwilling to part with those shares, drop the devoted big brother act already.”


    “And you?” Aubree’s gaze stabbed toward Ronald. “Spare me your sanctimonious speeches.”


    Ronald didn’t show any anger at Aubree’s words-or if he felt any, he expertly kept it bottled up inside.


    Ronald was silently calcting whether Aubree genuinely wanted the Wilson Group shares. If she did, trading a small portion of shares for a venture with limitless growth potential wouldn’t be a losing proposition.


    Ronald said, “You want shares in the Wilson Group? I can transfer a portion to your name. As my daughter, this is your rightful due.”


    Aubree’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Huh? He’s really giving them?’ she wondered.


    Aubree let out a coldugh. “I must have underestimated you, Ronald. No wonder you built the Wilson Group-handing out shares like candy.


    “But are your cars failing you in your old age? I said all the shares held by every single member of the Wilson family.”


    Ronald’s face darkened. Aubree was truly audacious-not content with just being offered shares, she actually demanded all of them.


    “Not a chance, huh?” Aubree shrugged, utterly unfazed.


    Aubree snapped, “Since you can’t do it, then get out of here. There’s nothing left to discuss between us.


    “After everything I’ve endured these past three years, do you really think your half-hearted apology and pathetic begging for forgiveness could ever make up for it? Not a damn chance.


    “I’vee to terms with everything that happened before. I wasn’t strong enough, so I got pushed around. But mark my words-one day, I’ll rise so high that even you will have to crane your necks just to see me.”


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