Bowen brought lunch to the office, and Aubree did him the honor of finishing every bite. He watched her, his gaze openly affectionate, making her cheeks flush. She averted her eyes awkwardly. “To be done with the past. You should go now?”

“As a shareholder, inspecting the company isn’t unreasonable, is it?” Bowen sprawled lazily on the sofa, making it clear he wasn’t leaving.

Aubree couldn’t really kick him out. Pursing her lips in feigned annoyance, she said, “Suit yourself. I’ve got work to do.”

Bowen didn’t disturb her, resting his chin on his hand as he quietly observed her from across the desk. “The view is interesting.”

After a while, when she’d nearly finished her tasks, he finally brought up what Mark had told him.

Aubree’s reaction?

Her fingers paused on the document. “I see.”

Her tone was flat, as if it had nothing to do with her.

Faking an illness? It wouldn’t be surprising. Aubree could easily imagine Alice doing something like that. But she needed proof to confirm it.

Ever since learning that Alice might have abandoned her, nothing about the Wilson family could shock her anymore.

If someone told her the Wilsons had committed arson or murder, she’d believe it.

In her eyes, Alice faking a mental disorder was just another potential weapon.

Finishing the last file, Aubree looked up, “Want to go for a walk?”

“What?” Bowen was dumbfounded. Aubree had never made the first move with him before.

Bowen couldn’t believe his ears. “Did I just imagine that?” he wondered.

Aubree smiled. “You told me about this and even found me a therapist. I’ve been feeling much better lately. Consider this my thanks.”

Bowen felt like he was walking on air. So this is what it feels like when perseverance finally pays off.

“Let’s go! Where to? Right now!”

Aubree’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she silently took note of everything about Alice. She’d need to investigate what really happened back then.

Time flew, and soon, Christmas was approaching. As the holiday drew near, Rithol City, the bustling industrial metropolis, was adorned with festive decorations.

At the Wilson residence, Ronald gathered the family after dinner for a discussion.

“Emery, how did the Rosepely Group matter turn out?”

“Anthony did embezzle the equipment funds. First, I had the press silenced. Then I used my connections to have a report issued, claiming the equipment was fine. I replaced all the substandard equipment and compensated the victims’ families.”

“The online backlash has mostly died down, but Anthony is a longtime employee. We haven’t decided how to deal with him yet.”

Emery’s expression darkened. The situation had erupted and resolved too quickly. It felt like someone was targeting Rosapoty Group. This might just be the beginning.

To Ronald, it was a minor issue. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have handed it over to Emery as a trial opportunity. “Follow protocol, excuse such a mess,”

“Understood,” Emery responded.

Pleased with his handling of the matter, Ronald actually smiled. “With this done, return to the company. Focus on your work. Then he turned to Bryan. “I assume you’ve had time to reflect on what’s acceptable and what isn’t?”

Bryan glanced at Emery, his grip tightening around his cup. “I have.”

“Return after Christmas. I’m not getting any younger. Wilson Group will need to be passed down eventually.”

The implication hung heavy in the air. Bryan’s eyes darkened, but he said nothing. Emery only worked for the company out of boredom. He never considered himself an heir.

Daxton had eyes only for Carmen and his experiments. The company meant nothing to him.

Trevor’s eyes flickered briefly, but he quickly slipped back into his usual carefree smirk.

Carmen, however, took the words to heart. With the success of her livestreaming platform, she’d grown addicted to power and money.

She held shares in Wilson Group, not much, but it meant she could inherit.

With Daxton’s support and Alice’s backing, it wasn’t impossible.

Her eyes gleamed as she tugged Alice’s sleeve. “Mom, can I give Dad my surprise now?”

Her expression was sweet, her tone hopeful.

Alice smiled and gently stroked Carmen’s hair. “Go ahead, sweetheart.”

“Oh? What surprise has my dear Carmen prepared for me?” Ronald was in a good mood today.

Carmen feigned shyness. “Dad, have you heard of MindDrift?”

“Of course. It’s the second-largest livestreaming platform after Playzy.”

Daxton chuckled. “Dad, Carmen founded it.”

“Really?” Ronald’s surprise was genuine. He’d actually considered acquiring MindDrift if he couldn’t take over Playzy. It never occurred to him that it was his family’s business all along!

Carmen blushed and nodded shyly. “It wasn’t just me. Daxton and Mom invested, too.”

Ronald laughed heartily. “Regardless, this is a wonderful surprise. I had no idea you had such business acumen!”

“A Wilson is never mediocre,” Daxton said proudly.

Alice clapped her hands. “Since it’s almost Christmas, why don’t we visit the hot spring island we bought two years ago?”

At the mention of the island, Emery’s expression soured. They’d purchased it for Carmen’s birthday after she developed a love for hot springs, even naming it after her.

The whole family had celebrated there that year.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Aubree had spent her birthday in the hospital as punishment for a mistake – no gifts, no celebration.

“Since it’s Christmas, why don’t we invite Aubree to join us?” Emery interjected abruptly, and the cheerful atmosphere instantly turned frosty.

Daxton rolled his eyes. “The island is Carmen’s. After what Aubree did to her, you still want to bring her along? How shameless can you be?”

Emery clenched his jaw. Christmas was for family. Wasn’t Aubree part of theirs?

Bryan nodded in agreement. “Emery’s right. Christmas is for family reunions. We never took Aubree to the island before, so this time, we can make it up to her.”

With MindDrift’s success, Ronald no longer felt desperate to acquire Playzy, though he’d still prefer it.

He’d been furious when he heard about Bowen’s impulsive move against Aubree:

Dealing with Aubree? That was where his tactics came into play.

He had already made arrangements, and the timing was just right. Interrupting the argument, Ronald declared, “Enough. Aubree is a Wilson by blood. Alice, reach out to her. Tell her if she comes home for Christmas, my promise stands. Wilson Group will support her fully. If she refuses, I won’t hesitate to cut ties.

“I won’t tolerate any threat to the Wilson Group’s standing.”

Had Ronald not known about MindDrift, he’d never have made such an offer. But with an alternative to Playzy secured, his attitude toward Aubree reverted instantly.

Or perhaps, it had never changed at all.