Chapter 63

Bryan looked at Aubree, who was watching like she was enjoying a play, and fulfilled the promise he had made earlier. He stood up for her.

“Carmen, I know you’re upset with Aubree, but that doesn’t justify what you did. Apologize to her,” he said in a low and solemn voice, leaving no room for refusal.

Daxton naturally didn’t want to see Carmen bow her head to Aubree.

Bryan knew exactly what he wanted to say. His sharp glance silenced Daxton. Daxton suppressed all his protests.

“If you won’t apologize, I’ll tell Dad everything that happened today,” Bryan threatened coldly when he saw that Carmen didn’t move.

She didn’t want to apologize. She had already been slapped twice and hadn’t even gotten justice for herself, yet now she had to apologize to Aubree. She had never suffered this kind of humiliation.

“Bryan, didn’t she hit me too?” Carmen’s whole face was swollen. She was completely different from her usual delicate appearance, which made others feel sorry for her.

“Didn’t you deserve it?” Bryan was getting impatient. It was just an apology. Besides, this whole mess was Carmen’s fault.

Carmen couldn’t believe her brother would say such a thing to her.

Seeing that Bryan was getting angrier, she realized if she kept stalling, he’d truly lose patience.

Aubree hadn’t left. She felt she deserved this apology. And frankly, she was enjoying watching Carmen being put in her place.

Carmen clenched her hands, walked up to Aubree, and said with unwilling eyes, “Aubree, I’m sorry.”

After she said it, she was probably grinding her molars to dust.

Aubree rubbed her ear. “Sorry for what? Can’t you be more specific?”

“Aubree, don’t go too far!” Daxton was furious.

Aubree shrugged. “I don’t accept this kind of apology. People who know what happened will see you’re apologizing for something you did wrong, but people who don’t might think I’m bullying you.”

‘Isn’t that exactly what’s happening?’ Daxton couldn’t understand how Aubree could say something so shameless. In his eyes, she was bullying Carmen.

Bryan’s gaze turned cold. “You should be sincere when you apologize. What have you learned in the Wilson family all these years?”

Carmen bit her lip so hard she nearly bled. Her eyes were full of hatred. “I shouldn’t have tried to frame you…”

Her voice grew quieter and quieter. She was on the verge of losing her mind.

“Fine. I’ll reluctantly accept this apology.” Aubree acted like she was being magnanimous. She had already stomped over Carmen’s pride by forcing her to admit her mistakes.

Class was about to start. Aubree didn’t want to waste her precious time arguing with these people. She left immediately.

With her face red and swollen, Carmen didn’t have the nerve to stay at school.

Originally, it was just Bryan who came to deal with her mess, but Daxton insisted on tagging along. Now that Carmen didn’t want to return to class, he pampered her and took her home immediately.

Meanwhile, at the Wilson family residence.

Only Alice was at home preparing for the birthday party.

The moment Carmen saw her, she rushed into her mother’s arms and cried, “Mom, it hurts so much!”

Alice’s heart broke at the sight of Carmen’s swollen face. “Oh my poor baby! What happened? Who hit you?”

She gently caressed Carmen’s cheek, full of real concern. “Oh dear, look at your face.”

Daxton said angrily, “Who else could it be? Of course it was Aubree! Mom, can you believe it? Bryan sided with Aubree!”

“What? Bryan must be crazy!” Alice trembled with rage. “Aubree has completely lost her mind! She beat up Carmen! I’m furious! Where is she? I’ll beat her myself!”

She regretted not being stricter with Aubree when she was younger. Whenever Aubree got sick or injured, she rushed her to the hospital instead of teaching her a lesson. Even strict punishment would have been better than seeing her turn out like this.

“She will do anything now,” Daxton sneered. He’d long known someone like Aubree would become uncontrollable if given an inch.

He only regretted not establishing control over her after she returned and letting her leave so easily back then.

He added, “I think she’s just relying on Bryan and Emery’s support, plus Dad’s apparent intention to recognize her. That’s why she dares to go against Carmen and upset us.”

Carmen said tearfully, “Mom, do I really have to give that dress to Aubree? I don’t want to. You designed that dress for me, and I…”

Her tears melted Alice’s heart. “Don’t worry. Even if your dad favors Aubree, I don’t. Everything of mine belongs to you.”

Alice added, “Even if Aubree comes home, I decide what she wears. The most important thing is that my Carmen is the most dazzling little princess that day.”

Daxton chimed in comfortingly, “Don’t worry, Carmen. That day, you’ll definitely be the brightest star in all of Rithol City!”

“Mom, Daxton!” Carmen was deeply moved.

The next day was the weekend.

Aubree called ahead and arranged to meet Matilda. Recently, under the name of Bree Technology, she successfully connected with Peace Entertainment.

The company’s owner and lead actress, Sylvia Torres, was very interested after listening to Aubree’s Playzy app.

Under Sylvia’s leadership, Peace Entertainment avoided many shady industry practices. As a result, a few of their artists became mega-stars. Aubree planned to use Sylvia’s platform to boost exposure for the artists while Sylvia gained new attention through Aubree’s company. It was a win-win situation.

If this partnership went well, she’d consider working with Peace Entertainment again during the influencer-to-idol promotion phase.

Having a compatible partner was already half the battle won.

When Zachary came to pick her up, she noticed Alvin had tagged along.

She asked, “You came too?”

‘Is he observing me?’ Aubree was briefly confused. Alvin looked her up and down. “I didn’t go to school yesterday. Heard the Wilson family came by.” He wanted to ask if she was bullied, but he changed his mind. “You seem fine.”

Then he changed the subject. “Where are we headed?”

Aubree replied, “To meet Matilda, then to Ramshorn. The first version of Playzy is done. After some testing and fixes, it’ll be ready for launch. I’ve arranged for Sylvia to help promote it. She’s filming there now, so I’m going to discuss details with her.”

Alvin nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

That was fine. After all, the Turner family also held shares in the company. He might even be helpful.

On the way to pick up Matilda, Aubree suddenly remembered she hadn’t seen Bowen in a while, and casually asked, “Is your uncle still in Odionland?”

Alvin replied, “Should be. Haven’t seen him back.”

Bowen once said he’d give her a memorable birthday surprise. He’s probably forgotten all about it.

Aubree felt a little disappointed. She had looked forward to it. Now, she couldn’t help but feel let down.

Alvin asked, “You need something from my uncle?”

Aubree said, “No, just curious.”

At that moment, Bowen was rolling up his sleeves and pant legs, weeding the yard for a dress designer.

“You’ve done so much for me these past days. Don’t you have anything to say?” The elderly lady with gray hair and reading glasses reclined on a chair, looking relaxed.

Bowen smiled. “You already know why I came. I’m trying to win your favor.”

His honesty amused her. “I agreed to make the dress. You’ll have it by the date you asked for. No need to keep working around here. Your assistant is about to cry from worry. Go take care of your business.”

Bowen said, “No rush. I’ll finish this for you first before I leave.”