Chapter 201
As Christmas approached, Aubree handed out generous bonuses to her employees and announced the holiday schedule.
“Miss Miller, a woman named Alice claims to be your mother and wishes to see you.” Vincent knew exactly who Alice was, which was why he hesitated and came to ask for instructions.
Aubree was about to refuse when she reconsidered. “Let her come up.”
Bowen’s words about Alice possibly faking her mental illness echoed in her mind. Today might be the perfect opportunity to best that…
Alice, clutching her handbag, was escorted into the conference room.
“Miss Miller will be here shortly. Let me know if you need anything, Ms. Diamonde.” The receptionist was none other than Birgitte.
Vincent had assigned someone else, but Birgitte insisted on handling it herself. In the entire company, no one was more fiercely loyal to Aubree than Birgitte; not even Vincent could compete.
Once, an employee had gossiped about Aubree behind her back. Birgitte overheard and had them fired on the spot.
Aubree found it amusing. “People can say whatever they want. I just ignore it.”
Birgitte remained stubborn. “If I don’t hear it, fine. But if I do, they’re gone.”
Alice requested coffee. Birgitte "graciously" fetched a packet of instant coffee, poured hot water over it, and served it without ceremony. Just then, Aubree walked in.
“Well? What do you want?”
Seeing that Aubree had agreed to meet, Alice dared to hope things weren’t beyond repair. Ideally, Aubree would stay far away from the Wilsons forever. But absence made the heart grow fonder, and Alice couldn’t risk Carmen’s position being undermined.
“Christmas is coming up. I wanted to ask if you’d join us at the hot spring island. A family celebration.”
Carmen had been raised under Alice’s doting care, and her acting skills were impeccable. As her mother, Alice was no amateur either.
Aubree nearly scoffed. The eagerness was all an act. If she actually agreed, Alice would be seething.
“Pass. I’d rather not end up in the hospital again,” Aubree said, rolling her eyes.
When the Wilsons first bought the island for Carmen, they’d called it a “family trip.” Aubree knew no gift awaited her, but the word family had struck a chord. She didn’t care about birthdays or presents; she just wanted to be included.
Back then, she’d desperately tried to win Carmen’s favor, hoping good behavior would earn her a place.
Instead, Alice punished her.
“You’re buttering up Carmen just to go to the island. Disgusting.”
Absurd. Yet at the time, Aubree believed she deserved it. Even hospitalized afterward, she didn’t blame Alice; she blamed herself for failing to measure up.
Alice paled, not from guilt, but discomfort.
For a moment, Alice was completely at a loss for words.
While Alice struggled, Aubree pressed on. “Alice, every time you show up, it’s the same old song. I’m bored. Let’s talk about something else.”
She slid a document across the table.
Alice looked over and her heart skipped a beat. It was the exact same agreement Aubree had brought to the Wilson family that day, the one Ronald had ripped to shreds when she tried to sever ties with them.
“I won’t sign…”
“Don’t rush to refuse.” Aubree smiled coldly. “I said we’re discussing something new today.”
She then pushed forward several photographs. The instant Alice’s eyes landed on them, her face went utterly pale. This time, it was out of sheer terror.
How… how did Aubree get these photos?!
She lunged for them, but Aubree pinned her hand down. “Alice, who do you think this person in the photos is? Do you recognize them?”
Alice wrenched free and gulped the terrible coffee, grimacing but forcing composure. “What exactly do you…”
Aubree had clearly come prepared.
“What do I know? Oh, quite a bit.” Aubree tapped her chin mock thoughtfully.
“For instance, you knew I was at the orphanage when I was ten. You visited, but hid it from the Wilsons.”
"You know?"
“Or how about this? You supposedly had severe psychosis, mistaking Carmen for me. That’s why you didn’t want me back, right?”
She watched Alice closely.
The first claim made Alice tense. The second, about her "illness," made her relax slightly.
Aubree narrowed her eyes.
Just as Alice was about to play along, Aubree struck again.
“Except your ‘psychosis’ was fake, wasn’t it?”
Alice’s mind went blank. She searched Aubree’s face, desperate to know if this was a bluff.
Her lips whitened. Digging her nails into her palm, she clung to the pain for focus. “I don’t know what you mean. I had severe PTSD. That’s no secret…”
Her implication was clear. Even if Aubree tried to use this as leverage against her, it would be useless.
Aubree smiled. She had her answer.
Alice’s "illness" was almost certainly fabricated. Now, she just needed proof. With concrete evidence, she could turn the Wilsons against each other, or at least make them sweat.
“We’re done here. Get out.”
Aubree’s words were cutting. Alice was just about to snap back when a knock interrupted her. It was Birgitte. Birgitte fixed Alice with a hostile glare that sent chills down her spine.
“I-I’ll be going now.” Alice stammered, hastily grabbing her handbag and practically fleeing the room. In her frantic rush, Alice didn’t even notice Bowen by the door.
“What’s up?”
“Mr. Turner’s here,” Birgitte said.
Before Birgitte could finish speaking, Bowen had already strolled in, making himself completely at home.
“Seems you made some progress?” He arched an eyebrow.
Aubree grinned. “We can start digging into her now!”
No further explanation was needed. They understood each other perfectly.
Bowen’s gaze drifted to the coffee on the table, and he frowned. “Who’s in charge of procurement here? This coffee is terrible.”
Aubree blinked. “Is it? I had it before and thought it was fine!”
Aubree picked up the coffee Alice had left behind and took a sniff, then shot a questioning look at Birgitte, who was standing by the door.
Birgitte didn’t even flinch. “Borrowed instant coffee from the breakroom. Frankly, giving her tap water would’ve been more than she deserved.”
Aubree burst out laughing.
Bowen thought to himself, "Looks like I’ll have to stay on Birgitte’s good side from now on."
“Anyway, I came to ask about your Christmas plans.”
“Same as always.”
“How about spending it with me? I’ll take you and Alvin to Shiyvania. Skiing, fondue, the whole experience.”
Aubree’s eyes lit up.