Chapter 68

The Wilson family’s birthday party was about to begin. Guests were arriving one after another, but there was still no sign of Aubree. Ronald’s face darkened. Even when Wendy came to report to him, he still couldn’t believe Aubree remained unmoved by the conditions he had offered.

It seemed she didn’t care about becoming legally independent from them at all. He thought he was aiming to take over the entire Wilson family. At most, he could restore her inheritance rights, but anything more was out of the question.

While Ronald was secretly considering further lowering his bottom line, the bodyguards he had sent to look for Aubree returned. They wore uneasy expressions and seemed hesitant to speak. Aubree didn’t care about the birthday party at all.

One of them said, “Mr. Wilson, Miss Miller… she is celebrating her birthday.”

Then, there was a sound of a glass shattering.

“Good, very good!” Ronald’s face turned red with fury. “That ungrateful girl! Is she trying to embarrass me?”

He had announced that the party would celebrate both daughters. If Aubree didn’t want to attend, he could have made excuses. The family was holding a party for her, but she chose to celebrate with others. That felt like a slap in his face.

The bodyguards kept their heads down, not daring to reply.

“Fine! Let her be! Our family is doing fine without her!” Ronald raged. “Daxton said it best. She was born lowly, and if kindness doesn’t work, then we’ll deal with her the hard way!”

Aubree knew nothing about what was happening in the Wilson family household. That afternoon, just as she left the office, she was whisked away by Ethan and Samson, who had been waiting for her. She asked where they were going, but both only grinned and refused to answer.

“You arranged this?” Aubree asked, surprised when they stopped at a high-end styling studio.

Walking in, she was met with the sight of Bowen, dressed flamboyantly in an ink-wash-inspired outfit, looking every bit like a peacock in full display.

“Yeah. I wanted to surprise you, though I guess it’s more of a shock,” he said with an apologetic smile. Beside him stood a clothing rack covered with black fabric. It was hiding a dress.

“Not exactly a shock,” Aubree replied, trying to sound calm, though her heart was pounding. It seemed he was planning to celebrate her birthday.

“Get dressed and made up. Tonight, you’re the star and you need to shine brightest,” he said, eyes full of affection. He couldn’t hide his emotions; they were written all over his face. He hoped tonight’s arrangements would make her happy.

With one motion, he pulled off the cover, revealing a dress. Girls naturally found it hard to resist beautiful things, and Aubree was no exception. If this gown meant anything to her, it was because it brought back dreams from when she was younger. Back in school, she had fantasized about wearing something stunning, walking into a room, and drawing everyone’s attention.

Bowen said, “It’s custom made. But if you don’t like it, I also had some designer labels send over their latest collections.”

“I love it,” Aubree murmured, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She didn’t love just the dress. She loved that someone had taken her seriously.

She ran her hand over the gown’s smooth fabric. From the stitching to the subtle embroidery, everything screamed craftsmanship and care.

“I’ll go change,” she murmured, turning away so Bowen wouldn’t see the emotion brimming in her eyes.

When Aubree reappeared, everyone went silent. Aubree had always been beautiful, but in that gown, she was divine. The off-shoulder cut showed off her delicate collarbones, and the flowing skirt hugged her silhouette just right. Her long hair was curled loosely and swept to one side, accessorized only with pearl earrings and a matching bracelet.

“You look like you just stepped off a red carpet, Miss Miller,” Samson said, ears turning red.

It wasn’t just her looks. It was the quiet confidence and elegance she radiated.

“You’re stunning,” Ethan added sincerely.

Even the usually quiet Zachary said, “Beautiful.”

Bowen offered his hand like a gentleman. “Miss, may I take you to dinner?”

No one disliked genuine compliments. Aubree smiled and placed her hand in his. “I suppose I’ll give you a chance.”

The restaurant had been reserved in advance. Bowen had spared no expense. He’d booked out Rithol City’s most prestigious hotel, located atop the city’s tallest building, offering a panoramic view of the entire skyline.

He led Aubree to the door and then stopped. Just as she turned to ask why, he looked at her with a soft smile. “Go ahead.” Bowen released her hand and motioned toward the entrance.

Aubree pushed open the door. Confetti cannons went off, and colorful ribbons floated down from the ceiling.

“Happy birthday, Aubree!”

“Not fair! You didn’t tell us it was your birthday!”

“Seriously, Miss Miller, next time you owe us a round of bonuses!”

“You… all of you…” Aubree was speechless. Matilda, Alvin, her teammates from the esports club, and her colleagues from the company; they were all here. Bowen had invited everyone who mattered to her.

“Aubree, I thought we were friends,” Matilda said dramatically, waving the gift box in her hand. “Guess I was wrong.” She pretended to take the gift back.

Knowing she was teasing, Aubree snatched it and hugged it tightly. “You were already planning to give it. No takebacks!”

Matilda laughed.

Alvin shoved a box at her awkwardly. “If it weren’t for Uncle Bowen…”

He was still the same proud, awkward guy.

Aubree smiled. “Thanks, Mr. Turner. And thanks to your uncle for convincing you to show up.”

Alvin’s ears turned red. “Whatever.”

Her teammates crowded around, each presenting gifts. The core staff from her company didn’t bother with presents. “Miss Miller, here’s our gifts!”

Back at the Wilson family mansion, the party was in full swing. As one of Rithol City’s elite families, their name carried weight. Even though it was just a foster daughter’s birthday, plenty of big names from business, politics, and entertainment had shown up. A-list celebrities were the lowest tier of guests.

When the event began, Ronald announced that Aubree was absent due to health issues. Whether or not it was true didn’t matter. Nobody was here for a heartfelt birthday celebration anyway.

Among the guests, Emery sneered coldly. His father was still deluded enough to think a shiny facade could cover the damage Aubree had done to their family.

While Ronald was still speaking, Emery stood up and walked out in front of everyone. Emery’s abrupt exit immediately sparked a wave of hushed whispers among the distinguished guests.

Ronald’s face turned stormy, but he forced a smile and carried on. No matter what happened, the Wilson family had to maintain face tonight.

As his speech ended, Carmen descended the staircase in a designer gown. In that moment, she was every inch the pampered princess, dazzlingly radiant as she commanded the room’s attention.

“Carmen, I have a gift for you,” Daxton announced. The party was being held on the estate’s massive lawn. As he finished, dazzling lights shot into the sky. Fireworks exploded above, and guests all looked up.

Daxton continued, “I want all of Rithol City to know that today is your birthday.” The sky lit up with brilliant bursts. Even among this crowd of the rich and powerful, the display was breathtaking. People around Carmen were full of admiration. They envied her status, her family, and her brothers.

She lifted her chin proudly, basking in it all. She was the star. She was the beloved little princess of the Wilson family.

But just then…

“Wait… doesn’t that firework say ‘Aubree, happy birthday’?” Someone shouted in shock. The first firework spelled out “Aubree.” The ones that followed had messages using various nicknames like Miss Miller and Bree. No matter the nickname, the message was clear. These fireworks were for Aubree.

Carmen’s face turned pale.