Chapter 259
Bowen kissed Aubree slowly, taking his time as he explored every part of her with quiet patience.
“I…” Aubree was left speechless. What Bowen had said was true.
Having been granted a second chance at life, love was never something Aubree sought. Aubree could not bring herself to believe that anyone would be foolish—or brave—enough to stand by her without conditions.
‘I’d rather never have it at all than face possible separation later,’ Aubree thought. ‘After I’ve had my revenge, whether through adoption or IVF, I’ll raise an exceptional heir. I’ll make sure my child knows that self-worth matters more than anything else!’
Of all the things she planned for, love was never one of them.
Bowen looked into her eyes and said softly, “Don’t rush to reject me. Just give me a chance. Let me prove I’m not the wrong choice.”
Bowen’s breathing remained steady, his hand still resting on the back of her head, his thumb gently caressing her temple. He said softly, “Even if this doesn’t work out, having an all-around bodyguard at your side for a while—doesn’t sound too bad, does it?"
“I don’t mind you taking advantage of me. On the contrary, I’d be absolutely delighted if you did. Or, to put it more plainly, to make full use of me.”
Aubree was utterly stunned. She never expected Bowen to say something like that.
Aubree was panicking, her mind blank. Whether it was Bowen’s tempting offer or that dangerously persuasive look in his eyes, she could not tell. In the end, the only thing she remembered was that a quiet “Okay” had slipped from her lips.
Satisfied, Bowen did not push further. He gently pulled back and planted a kiss on Aubree’s forehead. “Get some rest,” he murmured.
Aubree’s face turned beet red. She sat frozen on the sofa, taking long moments to collect herself.
As Alvin headed upstairs, he was greeted by the sight of Enrique in a most undignified pose—his butt sticking out, pressed up against the study door as if eavesdropping.
Alvin thought in disbelief, ‘Is this really something Grandpa would do? Seriously, shouldn’t Grandpa know better than anyone how soundproof this study is?’
“What are you doing, Grandpa?” Alvin blurted out.
Getting caught eavesdropping by his own grandson, Enrique looked visibly awkward. Before he could even straighten up, the study door swung open. Bowen stared wordlessly at Enrique, who nearly fell into his arms. “Dad, you’re over 60, not 16,” Bowen said dryly.
Alvin immediately understood what was going on. He shot a reproachful look at the two shameless men in front of him and muttered, “Aubree must have had the worst luck in the world to end up with you two.”
Bowen’s lips curved into a smirk. “I’d be more than happy to take responsibility for her indefinitely.”
The study door was not fully closed, and when Aubree overheard Bowen’s words, the heat that had just started to fade from her cheeks came rushing back in an instant.
Bowen peeked into the room and saw Aubree doing her best ostrich impression—head down, pretending she did not exist. Bowen chuckled under his breath. ‘How can she be this cute?’ he thought.
After the SAT, the Wilson family tried everything to track Aubree down, but Aubree had already taken off on a solo trip abroad. In her previous life, she never had the chance to see the world properly—not even up to her death. Now that the company was not too busy and the exams were over, Aubree booked herself a ticket to Miralaea for a well-earned vacation.
Of course, every day she had to put up with Bowen’s endless, whiny complaints over the phone. He was just like a pining, neglected lover.
Aubree was ready to launch Zappy—not just domestically, but globally. The final stop of her journey took her to Odionland.