Elizabeth had never seen anything wrong with how Bowen introduced her in the past. She used to take pride in being acknowledged as his business partner, the woman who stood closest to him in both professional and personal circles.


    Aubree’s appearance made Elizabeth realize what true intimacy meant to Bowen. The business partner she used to take pride in was nothing more than a business associate.


    Elizabeth straightened up slightly and took a good look at Aubree. ‘She’s young, undeniably pretty, neatly dressed, still in a school uniform. She’s the kind of student both parents and teachers like, ‘ she thought.


    She remained calm, wearing a polite smile and speaking in a friendly tone, “I’m Elizabeth. Nice to meet you.”


    Aubree’s eyes flickered. A silent battle began to brew. ‘So, Elizabeth finally sees me as a real rival now?’ she thought.


    “Aubree,” she replied politely, not even ncing at Ronald standing by the side.


    Ronald was fuming. ‘Are you blind? Can’t you see I’m right here? You don’t even say hello?’ he thought.


    Ronald was seething inside, itching to put Aubree in her ce right then and there. But on the surface, he still wore a smile, revealing nothing.


    His eyes shifted slightly,nding on Bowen. ‘Aren’t you just riding on Bowen’s backing? Let’s see how long you can act smug when Bowen stops caring about you,’ he thought.


    As the bidding meeting was still some time away, Aubree slipped off to the restroom.


    As everyone was aware, restrooms were notorious for randomly spawning important characters. Aubree stepped out, only to find Elizabeth waiting outside, clearly having been there for a while.


    Of all ces, can’t she pick somewhere decent to sit down and talk? Why does she insist on blocking me at the restroom door? Doesn’t she mind the smell?’ Aubree thought.


    “Aubree Miller, the founder of Bree Technology, the so-called leading figure in the new media livestreaming industry,” Elizabeth said with mockery, her meaning unclear.


    Elizabeth smirked, her eyes revealed disdain as if to say, “Is that all?”


    Aubree shed an innocent grin, pretending not to catch her sarcasm, and said, “How thoughtful of you to remember all this! Honestly, I almost forgot just how impressive I am.”


    Elizabeth choked on her words. ‘Is this girl genuinely naive or just ying dumb?’ she thought.


    Aubree’s smile vanished, her eyes turning cold and sharp. “Ms. Lawson, is there something?” she asked.


    “If you’re here to make friends and do business together in the future, I’d be happy. But I’m not someone you can push around if you’re looking to create trouble,” she continued.


    Elizabeth’s lips tightened slowly as she swept her gaze over Aubree. “I never thought he’d settle for some wet-behind-the- ears little girl like you,” she said.


    Aubree shrugged and said, “Neither did I.”


    “But what can I do? Even someone like me, just a kid, can make Bowen lower himself to pursue me,” she continued.


    “What?” Elizabeth eximed. Bowen was close to Aubreetely was not a secret in their circle. Some spected that Aubree


    Shaper se


    was clinging to a powerful backer, while others believed Bowen simply recognized her potential and was making a preemptive investment.


    Elizabeth had agreed to the coboration with Ronald not long ago after his persuasion,rgely because she was told that Aubree had an unusually close rtionship with Bowen.


    However, she had assumed that Aubree was shamelessly clinging to Bowen. ‘How could Bowen possibly be the one pursuing her? she thought.


    Aubree grinned at Elizabeth’s shocked expression. “Oh? You didn’t know about that? Bowen is actually pursuing me.”


    She then, with a distressed expression, said, “But I haven’t said yes yet.”


    “No way!” Elizabeth scoffed.


    Elizabeth couldn’t believe it. “What makes you worthy of his pursuit? I wed my way up through so many people in the Lawson family to take control of the Lawson Group.


    “Family background, looks, ability; I’m not inferior to you in any of them. What makes you so special? What gives you the right?” she asked.


    “Just because she’s Aubree,” Bowen’s voice cut in. He came without Kelvin by his side; he was alone.


    Bowen strode over to Aubree and casually put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. He had overheard their conversation, and yet far from denying anything, he took an unmistakable stand by Aubree’s side.


    Elizabeth was heartbroken. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her face a mask of bitter resentment.


    “She’s Aubree, and that’s all that matters,” Bowen said. ‘As long as it’s her, nothing else matters. I’ll always love her,’ he thought to himself.


    “You!” Elizabeth was overwhelmed with grief and anger. He’s heard our conversation, yet not only did he show no sign of being upset, he’s even admitted to it outright!’ she thought to herself.


    Elizabeth was heartbroken, but she was used to being strong. Tears and tantrums are for the weak; I’ll snatch him back gradually,’ she thought.


    Elizabeth clenched her fist, nails digging deep into her palm as she regainedposure. “The bidding is about to begin,” she said coldly. “See youter.”