Chapter 219
The six of them had dinner together. After the meal, Enrique stayed to watch the festive show, while Bowen, having had quite a bit to drink that evening, went upstairs to rest.
Alvin was playing cards with Ethan and Samson. When it comes to intelligence, Alvin certainly inherited the genes of the Turner family—the Dillard brothers were no match for him and ended up losing an entire month’s salary.
However, those two were as stubborn as mules and refused to admit they couldn’t even beat Alvin, who rarely played cards. Aubree didn’t know how to play, so she just watched from the sidelines, thoroughly amused by the scene.
“Aubree,” Enrique said, “Bowen had a little too much to drink tonight. Could you deliver him a hangover remedy? It’s in the kitchen.”
“Okay,” Aubree replied. Since she was the only one free at the moment, she went to the kitchen, carefully grabbed the drink, and made her way upstairs.
Enrique’s earlier words echoed in Bowen’s mind. It was clear to anyone that Aubree held only a fleeting affection for him. Growing up in an orphanage, Aubree met the investor, who provided her with vital emotional support during her childhood. However, upon returning to the Wilson family, she was left with deep emotional scars.
On the surface, she seemed lively and friendly, but in reality, she kept her emotions closely guarded. Earning her complete trust and love was no simple task.
Bowen had quite a few drinks that night, but it wasn’t enough to make him drunk. He stood on the balcony, gazing up at the night sky with a thoughtful expression. He couldn’t wait any longer.
He struggled to understand Enrique’s intentions. While it was evident that he had developed a fondness for Aubree these past few days, there was always a subtle undertone in his words. Bowen’s expression grew serious. He realized he needed to quicken his pace.
As if on cue, Aubree appeared at the door with a drink in hand and knocked. She quickly caught herself and asked, “Bowen, are you asleep? Mr. Turner asked me to bring you some hangover remedy.” She recalled how frightening Bowen had looked that morning, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he might consume her entirely.
“No. Come in.” With Bowen’s consent, Aubree finally opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dim, leading her to believe he had already gone to bed or was at least lying down. To her surprise, Bowen stood by the window, bathed in the soft moonlight that shimmered off the snow outside, casting a gentle glow throughout the room.
The dim light only accentuated Bowen’s spectral appearance as he stood by the window, pale and completely lifeless. He turned sideways to face her, his gaze lowered, and silently observed her. The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
“Bowen, are you feeling ill from drinking too much? If you stay out in the cold, you’ll feel even worse tomorrow.” Aubree stepped a little closer, carefully holding the drink she had let cool to just the right temperature before bringing it in. Her heart raced as she moved forward, unease prickling down her spine.
Bowen cast his gaze down at her, his deep, unreadable eyes exuding a dangerously enticing, nearly predatory aura. “I’m fine,” Bowen murmured, his voice low and tinged with alcohol, his breath warm and heavy against her skin.
Aubree hesitated for a moment. She wasn’t sure whether to approach him or place the hangover remedy on the table. In the end, she spoke softly, “I’ll leave the drink here for you. Don’t forget to drink it and get some rest, alright.” She lingered for a moment, clearly on the verge of leaving.
“Okay, Aubree Miller,” Bowen called in a low, captivating voice, “Come here.” He rarely used her full name. Lowering his gaze, his eyes were fixed entirely on Aubree, creating a sense of intention, as if he were trying to seduce her. In that moment, it felt like she was the only person in his world.
This thought made the tips of Aubree’s ears warm. She paused briefly before stepping forward, finding herself standing right in front of him, close enough to touch.
Standing by the window, Aubree glanced up at him cautiously and asked, “Did you need something?” Suddenly, Bowen reached out, placing his hands on either side of Aubree and trapping her against the window. She was cornered.
Aubree felt dazed; from the back, it appeared as though she was enveloped in Bowen’s embrace. Their eyes met—Bowen’s gaze descended, while Aubree’s rose. Their gazes locked.
Aubree’s hand shook, causing the hangover remedy she was holding to spill. The world around them seemed to shrink to just inches apart.
Aubree was so tense that she held her breath. What is Bowen trying to do?