Bowen let out a derisiveugh, shooting Turner a look as if he were aplete idiot. “I’d wrapped up my business here. Knowing someone was after me, should I have just stuck around and waited to die?”


    At that time, the Turner Group’s operations were primarily concentrated in Rithol City. Upon seeing the promising potential gradually developing market in Kroit City, Bowen established a branch office there and stayed for two years.


    Kurtis’s face twisted in bitter agony, as if he’d swallowed the bitterest herb imaginable. He could never forget the sight of Cordelia in her brutalized state–dying in his arms, whispering that she had no regrets, because she had saved the man she loved most.


    Even after sending everyone responsible to hell to atone for Cordelia, his hatred for Bowen only deepened. “A real man doesn’t let a woman take the fall for him!” he seethed.


    Aubree casually took a seat, quietly settling in for the show.


    Bowen rubbed his temples, feeling a headacheing on. “Don’t tell me this is why you’ve been relentlessly targeting Turner Group’s businesses in Kroit City ever since I left?” He thought, “Ever since Bryan and his wife passed away, I’ve barely had time for anything besides my studies and family. Whatever energy I had left all went to Alvin. The idea of having a girlfriend wasn’t even on my radar.


    Bowen pulled out his phone and fired off a message to Kelvin. [Dig up everything on that ambush–kidnapping from years ago. I need it now.]


    Kurtis appeared to realize there might be some hidden truth about the incident years ago.


    From their conversation, Aubree had pieced together some of the story. In short, Kurtis had been in love with a girl named Cordelia Vought, who coincidentally bore a striking resemnce to her.


    Bowen had once been set up and nearly kidnapped, but for reasons no one could quite exin. It was Cordelia who ended up dead. It fueled Kurtis’s burning hatred toward Bowen, and he began relentlessly targeting Bowen. But Turner Group was no easy target. Over the years, it only grew stronger with its Rithol City branch rising to dominance.


    Kurtis had no choice but to bide his time, seeking an opportunity. Aubree’s appearance was exactly the chance he’d been waiting for.


    As for why he targeted Aubree, it had something to do with Alice. Kurtis deliberately avoided borating. Right now, all he cared about was uncovering the truth about that incident.


    Kurtis said, “I’m not someone who can’t tell right from wrong. If it’s confirmed that you had nothing to do with what happened back then, I won’te after you anymore. In fact, I’ll even work with you. Whatever information or people you’re looking for, I can help you track them down and get you the answers you want.”


    Kurtis slowly sank back onto the sofa, his sped hands resting heavily between his knees. He hunched forward, his face etching with a grim expression.


    Aubree shook her head slightly and thought, ‘So Alice knew I’d be looking into Gordon. She came to Kurtis first. I wonder how she managed to convince him… But Alice wouldn’t make things this simple, would she? Just have Kurtis bring me to Bowen so I’d start suspecting I’m just a stand–in?


    The n is way too basic. Is it worth going to such lengths?‘ thought Aubree.


    Aubree was still trying to figure out the ins and outs of the situation when her head suddenly spun. If it was not for Bowen’s quick reflexes beside her, she would have copsed right onto the floor.


    “I…” Aubree opened her mouth, but her throat was painfully dry, and her voice came out hoarse and raspy.


    Bowen frowned and reached out to check her temperature. “You’re burning up. Do you have a fever?”


    Aubree flinched as if burned and quickly pulled away. “Your hand’s burning hot, too.”


    Bowen froze, suddenly realizing something was off with himself as well.


    Before Bowen could figure out what was going on, a hand shot out from the side and grabbed him. He turned sharply, only to meet Kurtis’s bloodshot eyes, wild with unmistakable desire.


    Without thinking, Bowenshed out with a forceful kick. “Have you lost your damn mind?” he shouted.


    The pain jolted Kurtis back to his senses for a moment. He sprawled onto his back on the floor and stammered, “I…”