Chapter 109

In Ronald’s eyes, Aubree used to be utterly nothing but an embarrassment to the family. Any time she acted out, it was just “making trouble.” But now that she’s useful to him, her defiance is suddenly brushed off as merely “a child acting up.” He had double standards down to a fine art.

He asked, “Your birthday is coming up soon. Don’t you want the dress your mother specially designed for you?”

Aubree, who had turned to leave, paused mid-step.

Ronald smirked triumphantly. He knew Aubree all too well; she might talk about cutting ties, but deep down, he felt that she was just fishing for their attention.

He added, “At your birthday celebration, I’ll have your registration transferred to our family, change your surname to Wilson, and publicly announce that you are the legitimate daughter of the Wilson family.”

As Aubree turned away, her eyes glinted with undisguised scorn. She thought, ‘If anyone in the Wilson family is truly formidable, it’s not Daxton or Bryan; it’s Ronald, the one who really holds all the power.’

Ronald was the epitome of self-interest. Sons or daughters meant nothing to him; only those who could bring him value were worthy of consideration.

‘So now that I’m useful, he thinks he can just coax me back? Dream on,’ she scoffed to herself.

Aubree strode off without so much as a backward glance.

To Ronald, Aubree’s blatant rejection only made him more certain of victory. After all, he was offering everything she’d ever dreamed of. He felt that there was no way she’d actually refuse.

The moment Aubree left, Daxton exploded. “Dad! What the hell were you saying just now? Where does this leave Carmen?”

Ronald gave Daxton a cold sidelong glance, withdrew his supporting hand, and shoved it into his trouser pocket. “What do you mean? Did I ever say Carmen isn’t part of our family? She’s just an adopted daughter. Since when do I need her approval to acknowledge my real daughter?”

Ronald said coldly, “After all the trouble she’s caused, the fact that I’m still willing to clean up her messes just shows how generous I’ve already been to her—more than she deserves.

“Daxton, you’ve been causing trouble lately, too. Getting the police involved this time? This is looking bad on the Wilson family!”

Daxton clenched his fists, bowing his head in silent fury. ‘If I say another word, Dad will definitely take it out on Carmen,’ he thought bitterly.

“Let this setback be a lesson for Carmen,” Ronald said coldly. “Next time, she should use her head and stop giving people ammunition against her.” After lecturing his son, he finally signaled for the driver to help Daxton into the car.

As for Aubree, Ronald wasn’t worried in the slightest. He was certain she’d come crawling back home by tomorrow.

He needed to tell the rest of the family to treat Aubree better for now, at least until he could leverage her connection to Bowen.

Back at her apartment, Aubree didn’t take a single word Ronald said seriously. ‘Only a damn fool would buy that crap,’ she scoffed to herself.

After beating up Daxton, Aubree felt thoroughly satisfied and slept soundly through the night.

Dressed in her school uniform with a backpack, Aubree went to Rithol High School the next day.

The story of how Aubree won the bronze medal and caused Will’s downfall had spread like wildfire through Rithol High School. The moment she stepped into the classroom, all eyes were instantly drawn to her.

Unlike before, when they watched her with scorn and schadenfreude, now their eyes shone with nothing but genuine admiration and envy.

“Look who’s back, the pride of our class!” Once someone spoke up, the rest of the class erupted in excitement.

Aubree’s class was one of Rithol High School’s lower-tier classes, with students of varying abilities.

A person said, “Hey, Aubree, come and check out my gameplay! Do you think I’ve got what it takes to go pro?”

Another said, “Go pro? You? Move over for Queen Aubree! Hey Aubree, free tonight? Wanna carry me to rank up?”

Someone else said, “Back off, everyone! Aubree, could you please help me with this problem?”

Aubree found herself surrounded by her classmates, the sudden burst of enthusiasm leaving her completely overwhelmed. ‘I never imagined I’d actually be this popular one day,’ she thought.

Just then, Matilda came to her rescue.

“Thank you, Aubree!” Matilda suddenly pulled her into a tight hug. Aubree was dazed by the sudden embrace.

“Thank me? For what?” Aubree thought, puzzled.

Matilda said to Aubree, “The girl who committed suicide was my close friend. Because of what you said, the case was reopened for investigation, and the newly appointed principal got all those people fired.”

Aubree smiled sincerely. “Karma always catches up with the wicked in the end,” she said.