Own Fate novel Chapter 29

“What?” Bowen finally asked, feigning annoyance.

“Just admiring how good–looking you are,” Aubree blurted out without hesitation.

Bowen, who was no stranger to compliments, felt his face reddened at her words.

He coughed awkwardly, trying to play it cool. “Cheeky as always.” Yet, the smile tugging at his lips was impossible to suppress.

Aubree couldn’t take her eyes off him–Bowen, with a blush, was truly a feast for the eyes.

‘How could a man interpret “good–looking” so perfectly? It made me a little jealous,’ she mused.

“Seriously, though,” Aubree said, the levity fading, “thank you. Again.” No matter Bowen’s motives, she owed him a great deal.

She silently decided that if he ever asked for something in return, she would do her best to fulfill it as long as it was reasonable.

A silent vow solidified within her: those who were kind to her would be repaid, but those who tried to take advantage of her would face tenfold or even hundredfold retaliation.

Bowen waved it off. “What’s your plan? The Wilsons won’t let this go easily, I’m afraid.”

“Can you look into something?” Aubree’s eyes glinted. Tonight’s trouble essentially started with Carmen. It was time for her to push back.

Aubree said, “Carmen stole my spot in the Rithol Art School training program. She’s lame, about to get kicked out.

“Alice came to me before, wanting me to be her ghost artist, but I refused. The Wilsons must have found someone else for her.” She wanted evidence of

this.

When Emery had given away her spot as a favor, she hadn’t objected–partly because she didn’t plan to pursue art, and partly for this very moment.

If Carmen had stayed out of trouble, she wouldn’t have interfered, as a way to repay the Wilsons for raising her for three years. But now that Carmen had provoked her repeatedly, this matter was the perfect leverage.

“Okay, but Bree-” Bowen arched a brow, “I’m a businessman. We/thrive on profit.” Though the favor was effortless for him, he needed her to understand: no one gets something for nothing in this world.

Aubree didn’t blink. “Name your price!”

“Buy me a meal,” he answered.

“Deal!” she agreed immediately. Honestly, she didn’t even know what Bowen could get from her.

She could certainly afford a meal, especially since there was no specified budget.

After all, Bowen had only said “buy me a meal” without specifying what to eat. A sly smile played on her lips.

“Why wait? Tomorrow. I’ll pick you up from school.” Bowen’s eyes sparkled, seeing right through her plan.

Nearby, Chris and Samson felt goosebumps prickling their skin.

They mused, ‘Mr. Turner really should look in a mirror right now–he was positively glowing with infatuation! Is this still our stern Mr. Turner?” Today’s incident reminded Bowen that if he hadn’t returned in time, Aubree might’ve been forcibly taken by the Wilsons.

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Chapter 29

“Should I assign someone to protect you?” he asked nonchalantly.

Aubree suspected Bowen had already stationed people around her, but she hadn’t expected him to bring it up directly.

After a moment’s hesitation, she didn’t refuse–she couldn’t be sure what the Wilson’s might do next, especially after tonight’s unexpected incident.

“His name is Zachary Stone. He’ll start as your driver tomorrow,” Bowen said.

Once the details were settled, the living room fell silent.

Aubree glanced around awkwardly before meeting Bowen’s gaze, her eyes silently asking, ‘Aren’t you leaving?‘

Bowen laughed at her unspoken question. “Ungrateful,” he scolded affectionately, ruffling her hair before leading his guys out.

Settling into the car, Bowen covered his face and chuckled softly. ‘She truly treats it like her own home now!

Up front, Chris and Samson exchanged uneasy glances–Bowen’s low laughter sent a chill down their spines.

As the engine purred to life, Bowen’s smite vanished, replaced by a cold, steely glare. “That Cameron… or whatever her name is,” he snapped, “dig up everything on her. Every last detail.”

On Tuesday, Aubrey went to school as usual.

Before she could even settle into her seat, Matilda leaned over. “Magnus from Honor Class dropped out.”

The news of Magnus, an ivy–bound prodigy, suddenly withdrawing had sparked chaos. School leaders had taken turns trying to dissuade him.

Aubree froze. Her first thought flew to Bowen. ‘Did he push him out?‘

Before she could ask, Matilda added, “Rumor says the Wilsons did it, because of you.”

“Me? What does this have to do with me?” Aubree frowned, baffled. ‘First they storm Bowen’s place, now this? Are they collectively insane?”

Matilda shrugged. “Of course it is! He deliberately framed you for cheating, remember?”

Now Aubree was thoroughly confused. Magnus was involved, but only as an instigator, leaving no concrete evidence. The school had already closed the case. Dropping out seemed pointless.

‘Was the Wilsons plotting something else?! she mused.

After a moment’s thought, Aubree gave up. She couldn’t see the connection and didn’t care.

This incident was just a blip.The day continued uneventfully until dismissal.

Bowen wasted no time–Zachary was already waiting as her driver by this morning. With her excellent scrim performans, he was excused from daily team practices for school.

Now, Bowen made it a point to pick her up after school, eager to collect the meal she owed him.

Slinging her backpack, Aubree stepped out of the school gates–and froze.

Bryan stood waiting, a confident smile on his face.

Aubree’s brows furrowed instantly. She tightened her grip on her backpack strap and quickened her pace toward the corner where Zachary waited. “Aubree!” Bryan’s smile faltered as she turned and practically fled. He shoved through the crowd, shouting, “Stop! Wait a minute!”

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08:54 Sun, 6 Jul M

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