โSo eager to have me return to the Wilson family, are you?โ Aubree casually took a seat.
In stark contrast to their former domineering attitude, Ronald and Bryan, who once lorded over her, now stood before her, their faces carefully feigning pleading expressions.
While Ronald was still mulling over her words, Bryan was already lighting up with excitement. โBree, youโre really willing to come back with us?โ he exclaimed.
โOf course. Itโs just going homeโwhy wouldnโt I?โ Aubree met his gaze, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Bryan was so overwhelmed by this unexpected joy that he could barely think straight. โWait? Is this real? Sheโs actually willing to return to the Wilson family? Sheโs really going to forgive me?โ he wondered.
Bryanโs eyes gleamed with intense excitement. Before he could offer any more sweet promises, Aubree spoke up again.
โHand over every single share of the Wilson Group you own, and Iโll come back. How about it? Havenโt you been begging me to return? Not a bad deal for you, is it?โ A sly smile played on Aubreeโs lipsโshe knew better than anyone that the Wilson family would have to be out of their minds to ever agree to her terms.
Bryan froze, the words hitting him like a bucket of ice water.
Bryanโs soaring spirits crashed into the abyss, the eager gleam in his eyes snuffed out in an instant.
Aubree said, โUnwilling, are you? Bryan, werenโt you so desperate for my forgiveness before that you were practically tearing yourself apart!โ
โAnd now you wonโt even part with your precious Wilson Group shares? Didnโt you always say you regretted what you did to me? Then prove itโhand over your shares and beg for my forgiveness.โ
โBryan, just hand over your shares of the Wilson Group and Iโll forgive you. I promise Iโll wipe the slate clean and never bring up the past again. How about that?โ Aubree rose to her feet, a deceptively serene smile on her lips as she advanced step by step toward Bryan.
Bryanโs face turned ashen. With each step Aubree took forward, he instinctively took a step back.
โAubree,โ Bryanโs voice shook, the words catching in his throat.
Aubreeโs expression hardened abruptly. She snapped at Bryan, โSince youโre so unwilling to part with those shares, drop the devoted big brother act already!โ
โAnd you?โ Aubreeโs gaze stabbed toward Ronald. โSpare me your sanctimonious speeches.โ
Ronald didnโt show any anger at Aubreeโs wordsโor if he felt any, he expertly kept it bottled up inside.
Ronald was silently calculating whether Aubree genuinely wanted the Wilson Group shares. If she did, trading a small portion of shares for a venture with limitless growth potential wouldnโt be a losing proposition.
Ronald said, โYou want shares in the Wilson Group? I can transfer a portion to your name. As my daughter, this is your rightfulโฆโ
Aubreeโs eyebrows shot up. โHuh? Heโs really giving them?โ she wondered.
Aubree let out a cold laugh. โI must have underestimated you, Ronald. No wonder you built the Wilson Groupโhanding out shares like candy.โ
โBut are your ears failing you in your old age? I said all the shares held by every single member of the Wilson family.โ
Ronaldโs face darkened. Aubree was truly audaciousโnot content with just being offered shares, she actually demanded all of them.
โNot a chance, huh?โ Aubree shrugged, utterly unfazed.
Aubree snapped, โSince you canโt do it, then get out of here. Thereโs nothing left to discuss between us.โ
โAfter everything Iโve endured these past three years, do you really think your half-hearted apology and pathetic begging for forgiveness could ever make up for it? Not a damn chance.โ
โIโve come to terms with everything that happened before. I wasnโt strong enough, so I got pushed around. But mark my wordsโone day, Iโll rise so high that even you will have to crane your necks just to see me.โ