Chapter <b>320 </b>
Of course, no birthday celebration would beplete without presents.
Ollie got the ball rolling by hauling out an exquisitely wrapped, rather sizable gift box. Grinning, he said, ‘Bree, every single item in here was handpicked by yours truly. Make sure you take your time to go through them when you return to your room.”
He practically purred thest few words, which were heavy with innuendo.
Bowen shot a look at the gift box, one eyebrow arching ever so slightly.
Nina gave Aubree a bracelet from a niche brand. “I bought this at the official store. I think it really suits your style, Ms. Miller<i>, </i>she said earnestly.
It was a blue and purple bracelet. Aubree <b>was </b>quite taken with <b>it </b>and put it on right away.
Alvin’s gift <b>was </b>as straightforward <b>as </b><b>it </b>could <b>be</b>. <b>He </b>simply gave her a gift card. “I didn’t know what you’d like. Just buy whatever you want.”
Likewise, his words were concise and to the point. Aubree <b>epted </b>the <b>gift </b><b>card </b>with a grin. “Now <b>that’s </b>a practical gift.”
The most unexpected gift <b>came </b>from Mark. She assumed it would be <b>some </b><b>jewelry </b><b>or luxury </b>itemn<b>, </b>but instead, he gave her a in brown envelope.
I heard that yourmand of Odiondian was <b>somewhat </b><b>shaky</b><b>. </b>And <b>you </b>still <b>have </b><b>to </b><b>cram </b>for thosenguage exams.
Aubree’s heart sank at this point.
“Here are some study materials I prepared <b>for </b><b>you</b>. I <b>have </b>checked them. <b>They’re </b>from renowned <b>teachers </b>and <be </b>highly rmended,” Mark
said.
Mark <b>was </b>very… thoughtful indeed.
Aubree smiled awkwardly. “Thank <b>you </b>so much.”
“Don’t mention it. If you still <b>feel </b>that’s not quite enough, I can <b>even </b>arrange private tutors <b>or </b>extra <b>sses </b>for <b>you</b>.”
“No… that’s fine. I should be able to handle those exams <b>myself</b><b>,</b>” Aubree politely declined.
Mark continued earnestly, “I can even help <b>you </b>prepare for the Business Grade <b>Test </b><b>Series</b><b>.” </b>
Aubree thought to herself, ‘You <b>can’t </b>be serious<b>…</b>‘
Her eyelid twitched a few times as she nced at Nina. Apparently, <b>Mark </b>had <b>been </b>pursuing Nina for <b>years</b><b>, </b>yet he had never once held her hand.
“Well, the reason is clear now<b>,</b><b>” </b>Aubree thought.
Aubree forced a smile as she epted Mark’s <b>“</b>gift.”
Nina kept her head lowered and tried not tough. She <b>recalled </b>that unexpected night she spent with <b>Mark</b>. She still couldn’t tell if he was simply stubborn or just in dense. He had insisted on “taking responsibility<b>” </b>and just wouldn’t <b>leave </b>her alone<b>, </b><b>even </b>though she wanted no part of it.
After dinner, it was time to hit the hot spring pools.
Star Lake Hot Spring Resort offered a luxury <b>spa </b>experience with excellent privacy. The group split up and headed for the separate men’s and women’s pools, respectively,
Ollie nced left and right at Mark and Bowen with a look of mock disbelief. “<b>I </b>can’t believe you two aren’t going to make a move!”
Mark chuckled wickedly. “You think I went out of my way to <b>ask </b>Nina along just to look at her?”
Ollie’s eyes lit up. ‘Gosh! Even this blockhead is finally getting smart!”
The story between Mark and Nina went back a number of years. Nina was highly skilled in martial arts. After the Turner family’s eldest son had an ident, it was the senior Mr. Turner who stepped in to hold the fort. Later, when Bowen Turner took over the Turner Group, there were plenty of people just waiting to bring him down.
For security and convenience, Bowen always had Nina apany him to dinner <b>events</b>.
Mark and Nina first met when they got into a fight because of a misunderstanding<b>. </b>That brawl turned out to be the proverbial Cupid’s arrow that shot into his heart.
<b>12:57 </b>PM
The second time they met, Nina took a drink meant for Bowen and ended up getting drugged, which led to an idental night with Mark. However, Nina had zero interest in spoiled rich brats like him who <b>were </b>all phndering profligates.
No matter how hard Mark tried to get her attention, Nina just acted like he didn’t exist. And this continued until now.
Bowen gave Ollie a cryptic smirk. Haven’t you already set everything up for me?<b>” </b>
Ollie shuddered. ‘Damn this bro!‘
In the women’s changing room<b>, </b>Aubree was changing out of her clothes.
22