NovelEnglishChapter 230
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At a recent business gala, one of Bowen's associates-having somehow caught wind of his close ties with Bree-
referred to him as someone who'd always looked out for her. The man then subtly hinted that his younger son,
just two years older than Aubree, was quite taken with her and hoped Bowen would play matchmaker.
Bowen struggled to maintain his composure. ‘Guardian? Me?’ he fumed inwardly. If he were going to stand by her
side, it would be like the one who rightfully belonged there.
Bowen didn’t want to hold Aubree back-she deserved every chance to becher best self. But stripped of his
status, he was nothing more than another face in the crowd, watching from the sidelines with all the rest. There
was nothing he could do.
But Bowen couldn't simply stand by and watch as those admirers inched closer to her. He needed to make it
clear to everyone that he was anything but a shrewd investor-or sguardian figure.
Aubree exclaimed inwardly, ‘Was Bowen acting all sweet with me?’
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Aubree’s expression froze for a split second before morphing into sheer horror. ‘Holy crap, that's terrifying! Is he
up to no good again?’ she thought.
Aubree’s expression grew wary. “I'm afraid I'm quite busy,” she replied.
“The gala’s tomorrow night. You don’t have any evening classes, do you? I'll pick you up at the school gate after
your last one, and once the bidding ends, I'll bring you straight back. | promise it won't take long,” Bowen said.
Aubree was about to refuse when something clicked. “Wait-the East District project? Is it about developing the
East District's commercial hub?”
Rithol City, the capital, was a bustling metropolis where every inch of land was prized. Yet the East District
remained untouched, occupied for years by holdout residents. After lengthy negotiations, they finally agreed to
relocate. Now open for bidding, the area was set to beca modern commercial hub.
Bowen nodded. “That's the one.”
“I'm in,” Aubree said decisively.
Bowen had no idea why Aubree had suddenly changed her mind, but he was pleased to have gotten what he
wanted-and that was all that truly mattered. His spirits brightened instantly.
The online controversy surrounding MindDrift continued to escalate. Following Alice’s advice, Carmen issued a
public apology statement online while also reaching out to Nick’s family.
Ronald wanted Carmen to apologize and take full responsibility for the entire incident. However, Carmen
carefully chose her words-she acknowledged that the events had indeed occurred but skillfully avoided placing
any blon Playzy. What seemed like an apology on the surface was, in fact, a stubborn refusal to accept fault.
Ronald had no idea. He was too caught up plotting with the Lawsons against Bowen and juggling the Playzy
situation. Neither was going anywhere, and the longer it all dragged out, the more anxious he became-afraid it
might all spiral further out of control, leaving him in an even worse spot than before.
The online backlash against Carmen intensified after her apology statement, but she remained indifferent. That
apology was solely for Ronald’s benefit. Her immediate priority now was to reach out to the family and persuade
them to scapegoat
Aubree.
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Carmen thought, ‘As long as | can sort things out, Dad won't question how | do it. And once | succeed, all I'll get
is praise and greater authority!” Brimming with confidence, Carmen noted that Nick's family didn’t immediately
turn down her proposition. Soon enough, Carmen’s message was forwarded straight to Aubree’s phone.
“Ms. Miller, just as you predicted, Carmen has reached out to us,” someone reported.
“Agree to meet her and sendthe address,” Aubree instructed, already planning how to arrange a gift for
Carmen. Aubree checked her phone between classes and smirked. ‘Well, | knew Carmen always had something
up her sleeve, she thought.
Aubree knew that if Ronald were in charge, he'd be quick to assfull responsibility. With Playzy under heavy
scrutiny, even a slight misstep could unravel all the traps he'd laid. A more strategic move, she figured, would be
to shield MindDrift while continuing to apply pressure on Playzy-maintaining leverage on both sides without
overreaching.
Aubree thought, ‘He will force Carmen to admit she was wrong. But Carmen is far too proud for that-she sees
apologizing as akin to admitting defeat. A sly smile crept onto Aubree’s lips. ‘If Carmen is too proud to concede,
then I'll ensure she falls even harder!”
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