Chapter 217

Bowen led Aubree up to his room. “Don’t let what my father said bother you,” Bowen remarked, his tone impatient.

Aubree was momentarily taken aback, but then she offered a reassuring smile. “Mr. Turner didn’t say anything inappropriate.”

Bowen hesitated, the words choking him. “…”

“It’s okay, I don’t mind,” Aubree said with a warm, reassuring smile.

Bowen felt a lump in his throat as emotion overwhelmed him. For the first time, Aubree’s smile pierced him like salt in a wound. “Does she not care about anything… or is it that she just doesn’t care about me?” he wondered.

His eyes briefly darkened. Bowen flashed a teasing grin and spoke playfully, “That’s great to hear. But so that you know, I don’t believe any of the things my dad said about me.” Without warning, Bowen suddenly grasped Aubree’s wrist, pulling her toward him until their faces were only inches apart.

Aubree gasped softly and instinctively raised her hand – she nearly slapped Bowen, but fortunately, her rational side intervened just in time. “You startled me!” she exclaimed, instinctively retracting her hand.

“Sorry,” Bowen quickly released his grip, but couldn’t resist showing off for Aubree. “Do I look handsome?” he asked with a playful grin.

“You’re stunning,” Aubree exclaimed impulsively.

Bowen preened even more, his smile broadened. “Am I too old?”

Well, I guess it all depends, Aubree thought.

Bowen was eight years older than her, a gap that once seemed significant. But she had already been through more than most. By the time everything had come full circle, she had reached her late twenties – nearly thirty. Measured by experience and maturity, she might have even surpassed him.

“It’s okay,” Aubree murmured.

Bowen leaned closer, lowering his voice to a playful whisper. “Just okay? So, I’m old, huh?” His deep-set eyes held a mystery within them – something she couldn’t quite grasp.

“N–no, not at all,” Aubree stammered.

Aubree gasped in surprise and instinctively tried to step back, but Bowen’s arm quickly wrapped around her waist. With a firm pull, he drew her close to his chest. The scent of his cologne enveloped her as his chin rested on her shoulder. “No,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “Then stop calling me what Alvin calls me, okay?”

“But didn’t you allow me, just like Alvin does?” Aubree retorted.

“I’ve changed my mind. Call me anything but that,” Bowen said, flustered.

“O–okay…” Aubree stammered, still flustered, as Alvin’s voice suddenly broke the tension.

Alvin snapped, “Uncle Bowen, have you no shame? You just left me stranded at the supermarket without even a car, and to make matters worse, you didn’t take a single shopping bag with you!”

Alvin was struggling to carry shopping bags in both hands – almost ready to hang one around his neck and clamp another between his teeth. Meanwhile, Bowen rushed back just to put on a show for Aubree. Alvin’s paw was clenched, with a vein throbbing on his forehead as he glared at Bowen.

Aubree hastily pushed Bowen away, flustered. “I’ll leave you two to talk.”

Bowen smirked. “Alvin, don’t be mad. I’m just trying to find you a future aunt, aren’t I?”

He isn’t even pretending anymore! Alvin rolled his eyes dramatically. “Do you even remember what you used to say? And honestly? Even beasts would come second to you!”

“I only made my move after she came of age,” Bowen said weakly, his voice wavering between defiance and embarrassment.

Alvin scoffed. “Even though you’re my uncle, Aubree is my friend. I stand with what’s right, not just with family.” Alvin’s expression darkened slightly, and his mock-threatening glare only amused Bowen.

Bowen wondered, Did my nephew threaten me? Well…

Bowen gestured for Alvin to come in and take a seat. “You don’t need to worry; what you’re fearing won’t happen,” he said with conviction. “What has Mark told you about what happened back then?”

“Mark told me he found a damaged photo and had it digitally restored. He mentioned that it won’t be long before he tracks down the individuals who murdered my parents.” Alvin’s voice turned icy. “Once I find them, I’ll show them what a true living hell is.”

Throwing them in prison? That’d be showing mercy – they don’t even deserve that, Alvin thought. Alvin reflected bitterly, I will never forgive those responsible for their deaths. If it weren’t for them, they would still be alive, and I wouldn’t have had to grow up all alone.