33


    At a recent business g, one of Bowen’s associates-having somehow caught wind of his close ties with Bree-referred to him as someone who’d always looked out for her. The man then subtly hinted that his younger son, just two years older than Aubree, was quite taken with her and hoped Bowen would y matchmaker.


    Bowen struggled to maintain hisposure. ‘Guardian? Me?’ he fumed inwardly. If he were going to stand by her side, it would be like the one who rightfully belonged there.


    Bowen didn’t want to hold Aubree back-she deserved every chance to be her best self. But stripped of his status, he was nothing more than another face in the crowd, watching from the sidelines with all the rest. There was nothing he could do.


    But Bowen couldn’t simply stand by and watch as those admirers inched closer to her. He needed to make it clear to everyone that he was anything but a shrewd investor-or some guardian figure.


    Aubree eximed inwardly, ‘Was Bowen acting all sweet with me?’


    Aubree’s expression froze for a split second before morphing into sheer horror. ‘Holy crap, that’s terrifying! Is he up to no good again?’ she thought.


    Aubree’s expression grew wary. “I’m afraid I’m quite busy,” she replied.


    “The g’s tomorrow night. You don’t have any evening sses, do you? I’ll pick you up at the school gate after yourst one, and once the bidding ends, I’ll bring you straight back. I promise it won’t take long,” Bowen said.


    Aubree was about to refuse when something clicked. “Wait-the East District project? Is it about developing the East District’smercial hub?”


    Rithol City, the capital, was a bustling metropolis where every inch ofnd was prized. Yet the East District remained untouched, upied for years by holdout residents. After lengthy negotiations, they finally agreed to relocate. Now open for bidding, the area was set to be a modernmercial hub.


    Bowen nodded. “That’s the one.”


    “I’m in,” Aubree said decisively.


    Bowen had no idea why Aubree had suddenly changed her mind, but he was pleased to have gotten what he wanted-and that was all that truly mattered. His spirits brightened instantly.


    The online controversy surrounding MindDrift continued to escte. Following Alice’s advice, Carmen issued a public apology statement online while also reaching out to Nick’s family.


    Ronald wanted Carmen to apologize and take full responsibility for the entire incident. However, Carmen carefully chose her words-she acknowledged that the events had indeed urred but skillfully avoided cing any me on yzy. What seemed like an apology on the surface was, in fact, a stubborn refusal to ept fault.


    Ronald had no idea. He was too caught up plotting with the Lawsons against Bowen and juggling the yzy situation. Neither was going anywhere, and the longer it all dragged out, the more anxious he became-afraid it might all spiral further out of control, leaving him in an even worse spot than before.


    The online bacsh against Carmen intensified after her apology statement, but she remained indifferent. That apology was solely for Ronald’s benefit. Her immediate priority now was to reach out to the family and persuade them to scapegoat


    Aubree.


    200


    Carmen thought, ‘As long as I can sort things out, Dad won’t question how I do it. And once I seed, all I’ll get is praise and greater authority!’ Brimming with confidence, Carmen noted that Nick’s family didn’t immediately turn down her proposition. Soon enough, Carmen’s message was forwarded straight to Aubree’s phone.


    “Ms. Miller, just as you predicted, Carmen has reached out to us,” someone reported.


    “Agree to meet her and send me the address,” Aubree instructed, already nning how to arrange a gift for Carmen. Aubree checked her phone between sses and smirked. ‘Well, I knew Carmen always had something up her sleeve, she thought.


    Aubree knew that if Ronald were in charge, he’d be quick to assume full responsibility. With yzy under heavy scrutiny, even a slight misstep could unravel all the traps he’did. A more strategic move, she figured, would be to shield MindDrift while continuing to apply pressure on yzy-maintaining leverage on both sides without overreaching.


    Aubree thought, ‘He will force Carmen to admit she was wrong. But Carmen is far too proud for that-she sees apologizing as akin to admitting defeat. A sly smile crept onto Aubree’s lips. ‘If Carmen is too proud to concede, then I’ll ensure she falls even harder!’