Chapter 2
Aubree stepped into the mansion’s main hall, and all eyes were glued to Carmen, shining like a star in the spotlight. Darton and Emery stood by her like loyal guard dogs, ready to protect their queen. Aubree’s arrival sparked a stir. Whispers of pity, smirks, and glares—she felt every gaze itching for her to flop.
A bitter grin crossed her face. Everyone knew she was the Wilson family’s punching bag, yet she’d once believed their cold hearts might warm up to her. In Rithol City, where cash flowed like water, the Wilsons were top-tier. Her dad, Ronald, went from nothing to a finance show regular, riding every market wave like a boss. Her mom, Alice Diamonde, was a fashion designer with a brand killing it abroad. And her four brothers? Straight-up legends.
Bryan, the eldest, ran the family empire and was the city’s prime catch. Daxton, a genius doc, had his own lab. Trevor, the third, was a movie star who could make a dead body scene go viral. Emery, once an esports champ, now owned Apex Squad, the top dog in gaming.
Being their favorite? Tough to resist. But Aubree exhaled slowly. That was over. She was a senior now. One year left. She’d focus on herself—ace her exams, get into her dream college, stack some cash, and cut the Wilsons out of her life for good.
Daxton’s face soured at the sight of her suitcase. “What’s with the bag? You pulling some crap again?” he snapped, eyebrows scrunched.
Emery’s lips twitched. That suitcase looked familiar.
“I’m here to apologize to Carmen, like you wanted,” Aubree said, voice flat.
Daxton’s scowl eased, a rare nod coming her way. “Well, damn. About time you showed some guts.”
Emery grinned. “Aubree, you’re finally stepping up,” he said, eyes warm. “Me and Dax talked. We’re giving your Rithol Art School camp spot to Carmen.”
Not a question. A done deal. Aubree didn’t flinch. Same as her old life. Emery, desperate to keep Carmen happy, handed over the spot without asking. Carmen was artsy, sure, but to keep her smiling, Aubree—who could’ve crushed her classes—was forced to chase art too. Back then, Carmen, mad about losing to Aubree in school, wanted to outshine her in art. But Aubree’s talent was unreal. She became her school’s pride and nabbed Rithol’s only art camp spot—a golden ticket. Every kid who got in made a name in the art world.
Carmen gasped, hands flying up. “No way! I can’t take Aubree’s spot! Dax, Em, take it back!”
Her fake act made Aubree’s stomach turn. Aubree stood there, watching Carmen’s little drama. Ugh, if Carmen wasn’t always chasing clout, they probably wouldn’t even care, she thought to herself.
In her old life, Aubree would’ve been crushed, wondering why her stuff always went to Carmen when she’d done nothing wrong. Now? She didn’t give a damn. Let Carmen have it—she’d just crash and burn. Besides, Aubree was over the whole art scene this time.
Daxton pulled Carmen into a quick hug, messing up her hair. “C’mon, kid, why not?”
Aubree grinned and nodded. “Yeah, what’s the problem?” She popped open the box in her hands. “A spot’s cool, but how about this? All my best stuff’s in here. It’s yours.”
The box held every gift the Wilsons had given her since she came back three years ago. Aubree was ready to cut every tie with them, step by step. She couldn’t wait to see if Carmen could still be the family’s golden girl without Aubree fixing their messes.
Emery’s jaw dropped. Daxton’s face went blank. Those were Aubree’s treasures.
Emery shot up, glaring. “Put it back!” Inside was a lake blue case with a sapphire crown he’d bought with his first big win in Koraland. He could still see sixteen-year-old Aubree, fresh to the family, tucking it into that white box, wiping it clean even though it sparkled. Her chubby cheeks glowed as she grinned. “Emery, this is my favorite treasure.”
Aubree tilted her head. “Didn’t you guys tell me to apologize?”
Emery’s throat tightened. Sure, they wanted an apology, but not this. How could she give up her prized stuff? Isn’t it everything to her? they wondered. He stared, lost. He just didn’t want Aubree going down a bad path. Is that wrong?
Daxton’s voice was sharp. “Aubree, is this an apology or you just throwing shade?”
She laughed, all bright and breezy. “Daxton, why you mad? If I’m saying sorry, I gotta go big, right? Isn’t this legit?”
Daxton had nothing. It was legit—too legit. Every Wilson knew those gifts were Aubree’s whole world.
Carmen’s eyes bugged out at the box. “What is Aubree’s game? A real apology or a slick move to make their brothers feel sorry?" Either way, Carmen wanted that stuff. A pang of jealousy hit—everything was one of a kind, and she had nothing like it.
Biting her lip, Carmen played sweet. “Aubree, this is too much. These are from Mom, Dad, and the boys. They mean more than just stuff. I can’t take it.” She shook her head, all innocent. Carmen’s good-girl vibe had Daxton softening. Next to her, Aubree looked like she was picking a fight. Is she trying to guilt them? he fumed. He smirked. “Fine, if you’re giving it up, don’t come crying later.” He grabbed Carmen’s hand, snagged something from the box, and handed it over. “It’s yours now.”
Carmen hid her thrill, acting all torn, but not saying no. Aubree shrugged. Garbage back where it belonged. She turned to leave, not caring what they thought.
Emery’s heart raced. Something felt wrong—like he was losing something big. He started after her. Carmen grabbed her chest and yelped, “Ow, it hurts!”
Emery stopped cold, turning to see Carmen’s pale face. He scooped her up without a second thought. “Daxton, get the car!”
For her? She wasn’t even in the running.
Aubree heard the drama but didn’t look back. Carmen... Once, she’d have been crushed seeing her brothers fuss over Carmen. Now, she couldn’t care less. Fake or real, if Carmen tanked, Aubree would be out here cheering with popcorn.