<b>hapter 174 </b>
Emery wanted to leave, but of course Ronald would never allow it. Anger aside, he still had to talk him into staying
Ronald looked at Emery and said, “Come on, wasn’t all this just about getting Aubree back<b>? </b>
“Aubree also started her club. Her club is still quite new, and the only notable achievement they have is League of Legends. Apex Squad <b>just </b>hit a snag with their most profitable League of Legends division. Wouldn’t merging the two be the perfectplementary solution?”
Ronald continued, “You think she’d refuse? Rx. Last time Bryan and I went to see her, she was already softening her stance. This time, we’re <b>giving </b><b>her </b>the entire Apex Squad as an apology gift–what’s not to like? Her club would call the shots, with full investment from the Wilson Group backing <b>it </b>
Ronald yed his cards right. Emery’s reluctance to keep managing the club was all about Aubree. So he’d use her as leverage to persuade Emery
Last time, when Aubree demanded all the shares of the Wilson Group, it was clear she had her own agenda. Now that he was handing her the entire <b>Apex </b>Squad on a silver tter, he was sure she wouldn’t be even slightly tempted.
Both clubs had their strengths and weaknesses, and since they were both under the Wilson umbre, who managed them was irrelevant–as long as the Wilson family profited in the end.
Little did Ronald know, however, that when Aubree had made that demandst time, she was perfectly aware he would never actually agree to it.
If the Wilson family really lost their minds and handed her the shares, of course, Aubree would be thrilled. Once she got them, she’d kick the whole damn family out onto the streets, leaving them utterly destitute.
Aubree secured the connection with the Mattei family and partnered with Aidan. Whether she admitted it or not, Bowen’s influence was behind it all.
And Bowen was quick to press his advantage.
Before Aubree could even say a word, Bowen couldn’t wait to rush over and im the credit.
He texted her. [Don’t you think <i>you </i>owe me a thank you this time?]
[Yeah, I gotta thank you for the help,] Aubree replied. She acknowledged the favor.
‘Admitted it? Perfect,‘ Bowen smirked slyly, sending shivers down the spines of those around him. No one could tell which poor soul Bowen was scheming against now.
Bowen: [So, when you have some free–time, how abouting with me to Gracefield Church? Dad went there to prayst time and asked me to fulfill the vow. Coincidentally, the roses at the church are in full bloom this season–they’re quite a sight.]
What Bowen didn’t mention was that his father’s prayer had been for him to settle down soon.
That wish really dide true.
The weather forecast said there would be snow in theing days. Bowen slightly lowered his eyelids, veiling the dark thoughts in his eyes.
Little did Aubree know there were so many hidden agendas behind all this. Gracefield Church was famous in Rithol City–not only for its reputation<b>, </b><b>but </b>also for its spectacr Rose Garden.
‘Might as well check it out,‘ she thought.
[Sure,] Aubree replied.
Bowen said he was free, and true to his word, he drove straight to Aubree’s ce the very <b>next </b>day to <b>pick </b>her up himself. Determined <b>to </b><b>finally </b><b>get </b><b>the </b>private time he’d been scheming for ages, he didn’t even bring a bodyguard.
<b>They </b>were already on their way up the mountain. Gracefield Church sat halfway up the <b>slope</b>, essible only after <b>navigating </b>a winding mountain <b>fo </b><b>and </b><b>a </b>final stretch on foot.
Bowen said, “The meals and roses at Gracefield Church are quite renowned. After we pray, we can check them out and if we <b>have </b>time<b>, </b><b>maybe </b>stay for
meal<b>.</b><b>” </b>
<b>“</b><b>Can’t </b>wait to see them,” Aubree replied with a smile. Perhaps it was the string of recent good fortune–the club’s championship <b>win </b>and the <bpany’s </b>bright prospects–that had visibly brightened herplexion.
Even her usual reserve toward Bowen had softened.
Aubree didn’t spot many people heading up the mountain along the way, but she didn’t give it much thought.
With the chilly,weather, a sparse crowd wasn’t particrly surprising.
The higher they climbed, the colder it got.
Stepping out of the car, they were greeted by an endless flight of gray brick steps, winding upward until they disappeared from sight.
As they ascended the <i>steps</i>, the heavy toll of belts grew clearer. Against the ancient<i>, </i>starkndscape, prayer ribbons fluttered in the wind<b>–</b>each one <b>a </b>silent wish left by prayers.
The church was quiterge, yet there were surprisingly few visitors around.