Chapter 123
“This one’s my birthday wish for you!” Hector leaned over the railing, pointing excitedly at the fireworks in the sky. Matilda pointed to the next one. “And that one’s mine.” “Bree, may you always be safe and at peace.” Seeing that nickname, Aubree instinctively turned around. Bowen was behind her, smiling softly. “That one’s from me.” “Thank you all so much!” Aubree threw her arms around the nearest person, Matilda. “Thank you, all of you. This is the most romantic, most wonderful birthday I’ve ever had.” “Silly girl. We’ll celebrate every year,” Matilda said, hugging her back.
Meanwhile, across the river where the wind bit like knives, Ollie stood shivering. He stuffed his hands in his pockets, dressed in a sharp suit with his hair slicked back. Autumn had arrived, and the temperature had dropped.
In front of him were the empty firework boxes. “Damn it! That bastard!” Ollie cursed through chattering teeth. “I thought he called me out to celebrate Aubree’s birthday. Turns out I’m just here to light fireworks so he could impress her!” He had even dressed up for the occasion, only to be left standing around freezing. As the president of Turner Group, Bowen could ask anyone to do this job. However, Bowen said it was too important to entrust to an outsider. Ollie scoffed. He bet Bowen was just afraid he’d steal the spotlight at the party. Beside him stood another man. It was Mark. He was tall and imposing, with a buzz cut and a stoic face. “What’s Bowen been up to lately?” Mark asked. “Last time I came back from a mission and finally got some leave, he popped into Nightworld for five minutes and ghosted.” And then he asked them to set off fireworks. Mark thought Bowen must be bored out of his damn mind. “Remember that girl Bowen used to sponsor at the orphanage?” Ollie asked, his voice more serious now.
At that, Mark looked up at the sky again. The fireworks had faded. “So it’s her.” He said, “I’ve been digging into the truth behind what really happened with Bowen’s brother and sister-in-law. I’m finally starting to piece things together.” He added, “Alvin is keeping close tabs on it too… but I don’t know whether the truth will bring peace or more pain.” Ollie let out a long sigh. “He still can’t let it go, huh?”
Back at the Wilson family’s estate, the guests had long dispersed. Housekeepers and servants were cleaning up the aftermath. The Wilson family sat clustered in the living room. Daxton stormed in, phone in hand and face twisted with fury. “I made some calls. Bowen ordered those fireworks before I even did. They were custom-made. The factory had already notified me about canceling my order, but I’ve been too swamped to notice.”
Carmen sat stiffly, clutching her knees. Rage was bubbling under her skin. It was her most humiliating birthday ever. The sky had been filled with fireworks celebrating Aubree, and none of them were for her. The spotlight that should have belonged to her had been stolen in the most glamorous way. Even though no one said anything to her face, Carmen could feel their judgment in every glance. Those gazes cut her pride to pieces—all because of Aubree. “This is all your fault!” Alice snapped at Daxton. “Look at the mess you’ve made!” Daxton looked guilt-ridden. “Carmen, I’m sorry. I embarrassed you.” Carmen forced a tight smile. “It’s not your fault, Daxton. Besides, celebrating for Aubree is a good thing too. It’s all the same.” “Exactly. It’s all the same,” Bryan chimed in nonchalantly. “Celebrating for Aubree just lets everyone know today’s our sisters’ birthday.” Deep down, he was even a little relieved. At least Aubree had finally had a proper birthday. His fingers brushed the gift in his pocket. He’d thought Aubree might come back tonight, but it seemed he’d have to wait to give it to her next time.