<b>Chapter </b><b>329 </b>
Aubree <b>never </b>would have imagined that, despite Carmen’s clear dislike for her, Carmen still respected her <b>character</b>.
Carmen knew conventional methods wouldn’t work on Aubree. But <b>she </b>remembered that Aubree was the type to <b>repay </b>kindness. So, her n was to <b>have </b>someone harass Aubree, then she’d swoop in with her people to rescue Aubreè.
‘Aubree definitely wouldn’t bother to look into this, and <b>even </b>if she did, she’d never <b>trace </b>it back to me, Carmen thought to herself. ‘No matter how disgusted or unwilling Aubree is, a favor owed is still a favor owed. When I invite her <i>to </i>my <b>art </b>exhibition, it’ll just be a matter of course.<b>‘ </b>
<b>At </b>first, Aubree hadn’t suspected that Carmen was involved because it didn’t seem like something Carmen would pull off. But Carmen’s exaggerated expression <b>was </b><b>so </b>telling that Aubree couldn’t help but connect the dots.
Carmen hadn’t <b>expected </b>Lilia to bring such a pathetic bunch. They couldn’t even handle Aubree, a girl. Still, <b>as </b>someone good at pretenses, Carmen’s <b>face </b>twisted for a split second before she instantly put on a look of surprise. “Thank goodness you’re alright, Aubree<b>.</b><b>” </b>
“What are you doing here?” Aubree yed along <b>as </b>she tried to figure out what game Carmen was ying.
“I was helping my mentor deliver something to a friend at the art school. On the way, I heard you were having trouble at the cafeteria, so I called my bodyguards over. But it looks like you’re fine, Aubree.”
The troublemakers were quickly escorted away by campus security and handed over to the counselor.
The onlookers dispersed once the spectacle was over.
Aubree stared at Carmen with an icy expression. Carmen offered a fawning smile and said, “Aubree, I know you dislike me-
“Then why don’t you get lost already?”
Aubree’s words left Carmen momentarily speechless, but she deliberately ignored them and continued, “I’vee to realize some of my past actions were wrong. I sincerely apologize to you.”
With that, Carmen even bowed deeply. Aubree found it quite novel. In both timelines, this was the most sincere apology she’d ever seen from Carmen:
“If you think my apology isn’t sincere, Aubree, just hit me to vent your anger.”
Aubree thought, ‘A deal this sweet?‘
Aubree couldn’t help butugh. This was hands down the most sincere apology Carmen had ever given.
“Okay.”
Carmen was just putting on a show. She figured with people still watching, Aubree would have to keep up appearances. Even if Aubree refused her apology, surely she wouldn’ty a hand on her in public.
Aubree’s hand shot up, and shended a sharp, stinging p. “Smack!”
“Who knew you’d actually ask for something like this? As your good sister, of course, I’m happy to oblige.”
Carmen was stunned, rooted to the spot like a statue.
The resounding pnded squarely across her face, leaving a searing pain. Half her cheek was ame with scorching agony.
“What?” Carmen stammered in disbelief, utterly stunned that Aubree had actually pped her.
But <b>just </b><b>as </b>Aubree had pointed out, this was Carmen’s own doing. No matter how much it stung or how furious she felt, she couldn’t let it show. She had to grit her teeth and endure it. Worse still, she had to force a smile and ask if Aubree was appeased and willing to forgive her.
Aubree felt much <b>better </b>after that p. “Spit it out. What are you really after?”
“Did you get my <b>text</b><b>, </b>Aubree<b>?</b>” Carmen asked with puppy–dog eyes. “I’d love for you toe to my art exhibition.”
If Aubree hadn’t known <b>better</b>, she might <b>have </b>believed Carmen was just a lovely girl, yearning for someone <b>special </b>to witness
4.26 <b>PM </b>
her big moment.
Unfortunately, Carmen <b>wasn’t </b><b>a </b>lovely girl, and Aubree wasn’t the special <b>person </b>to Carmen.
“Well, about that…”
Aubree deliberately drew out her words, then finally nodded her agreement under Carmen’s anxious <b>gaze</b>.
Aubree wanted <b>to </b><b>see </b>what tricks Carmen <b>was </b>up to this time.
“Alright, let’s not stand around here like circus freaks on disy,” Aubree said. Convinced that Carmen’s art exhibition was anything but simple, <b>she </b>strode off without a backward nce.