Chapter 216
Aubree attempted to feed the fish previously and accidentally killed more than half of them. For days afterward, Enrique would huff and puff, lecturing her. Aubree found herself wondering, “How did Mr. Turner, who was so stern when we first met, end up becoming more and more mischievous the longer we spent together!”
“Please, take a seat over here. It was a beautiful day, and the house was immaculate, thanks to the housekeeper." Enrique turned to Aubree, gesturing for her to join him and enjoy the sunshine.
Before leaving, Bowen instructed Samson to stay home and keep a close watch on Enrique. Bowen had a strong suspicion. Usually, Enrique would spend the festival at his home, paying respects to his late wife. However, this year, he unexpectedly came with them to Shiyvania. There was no doubt it was a calculated move.
Upon seeing the message, Bowen frowned. “What on earth is he up to?”
Samson: [Bad news, Boss! Mr. Turner just asked Miss Miller if she had feelings for you!]
“What on earth is this?” Bowen thought, nearly throwing his phone across the room. “Bree has only just started to let me get close—if Dad keeps this up, he’s going to scare her off for good!”
Bowen was in such a frenzy that he didn’t even notice Alvin, who was still busy shopping according to the list. He commanded Ethan to return immediately. Ethan respectfully inquired, “Mr. Turner, aren’t we waiting for Alvin?"
“Let him take a cab back by himself," Bowen snapped.
Bags in hand, Alvin turned around, only to discover that Bowen had disappeared. Alvin wondered, “Could he have been kidnapped by some thugs or something?”
“So, Aubree, what are your thoughts on Bowen?” Enrique asked.
Aubree had just taken a sip of water to relax when she suddenly choked, almost spitting it out in shock. A zero-frame startup! How am I supposed to avoid that? Aubree thought.
Enrique smiled knowingly at her, a glimmer of mischief in his eye. “Take your time. There’s no need to rush. I’m aware that Bowen has feelings for you.”
Aubree’s eyes widened in shock, though she had some inkling about this. However, she was surprised by how much more straightforward Enrique was compared to Bowen. Does Bowen even know his dad can be this blunt? Aubree thought.
Aubree silently pushed her water glass further away, feeling puzzled by Enrique’s intentions. Shouldn’t someone of his stature be vetting a girl his son is interested in before immediately trying to play matchmaker?
Aubree carefully chose her words before responding, “Mr. Turner, I’m not entirely sure what you mean. Bowen has never mentioned anything like that to me, so I can’t comment on it. However, I am truly grateful for all the support he’s provided.”
Enrique’s eyes crinkled with even deeper amusement as he remarked, “In the end, it all comes down to my Bowen not being up to the task—he couldn’t win you over, could he? No need to sugarcoat it to protect his feelings.”
He waved a hand with casual indifference, clearly unamused. “Honestly, girls your age seem to be into those overly sweet or intense types lately. Bowen? He’s practically from a different generation. There’s nothing remotely romantic about him, and that stiff corporate smile of his—who knows if he’s trying to charm someone or deliver a sales pitch.”
Enrique added, “If I were in your position, I wouldn’t like him either.”
Wait, did he just say that out loud? Aubree was taken aback. She never expected Enrique to speak about Bowen that way. It almost made her want to laugh. Was this what they called an official roast from his dad?
Naturally, Samson conveyed every word to Bowen exactly as it was spoken.
“Oh, no, Bowen is a wonderful guy—he has his unique charm,” Aubree explained.
Enrique playfully asked, “Oh, so you like him too?”
“Well, that’s…” Aubree stammered nervously, just as Bowen rushed back in.
Gasping for breath—having run from the car—Bowen glared at Enrique through clenched teeth. “Dad, I wouldn’t mind sending you back to your place tonight!”
Enrique said, “Hey, take it easy. You’re already at a disadvantage, and now you come across as a domestic abuser. Be careful, or she might like you even less.”
Bowen sneered, thinking, Oh, thanks a lot then!
Bowen clearly understood Enrique’s intentions. Without hesitation, he seized Aubree’s wrist and pulled her away. “I can take care of my matters,” he stated firmly.
Enrique’s smile faded, and he remained silent. Aubree suddenly felt goosebumps spreading across her skin. Why are both Enrique and Bowen so unsettling? she thought.