Chapter 132
After Ronald and Daxton both left, Carmen waited for the house to empty and went to find Wendy in the kitchen. “Wendy, help me make chicken soup today. Put it in a thermos when it’s done.” “Yes,” Wendy replied.
Carmen didn’t have Aubree’s talents. She couldn’t cook, couldn’t start a business. But Aubree was foolish. Even when she did something good, she let others steal the credit. She glanced sideways at Wendy. She couldn’t make soup, but there were plenty of people in the house who could.
That same day was God’s Fury’s first match in the annual finals. Right after school, Aubree rushed to the venue. With Matilda as the coach, she had already gotten approval to be with the team full-time. Her ID badge was ready, so she entered through the staff passage and headed straight to the backstage lounge. “Aubree! It really is you!” A surprised voice called out.
Suddenly, Emery appeared right before her. Emery’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t see you with the team and thought you weren’t coming.” He looked genuinely thrilled. Aubree sneered inwardly, taking a step back to keep her distance. Whether he was genuinely happy or just putting on a show, none of it mattered to her anymore. She said coldly, “Do you need something? If not, please move.” “I…” Emery wanted to say he just wanted to see her. But the words stuck in his throat. Emery’s eyes dimmed as pain stabbed through his chest. Aubree treated him like a stranger, but he was still her brother. Emery forced a smile. “Aubree, today is the Apex Squad versus God’s Fury match.” Aubree responded, “I saw the schedule. You didn’t need to tell me.” “I meant… do you want to win?” Emery looked at her with hope. “You came here after school just to watch, so you must really want your team to win, right?”
If you want… I… I could help you… He added that silently in his heart. He didn’t know what to do to make it up to her, but he was willing to do anything that would make her happy.
Aubree thought he was crazy. Everyone would want their team to win. “You’re asking me if I want to win? Of course I want to see God’s Fury crush your team and sweep you 3-0!” She spoke angrily and shoved past him, hurrying away.
What a nutjob, Aubree thought. Emery had just blocked her path to say this nonsense, which was wasting her time. She needed to cheer for Alvin and the others immediately. She rolled her eyes and quickened her pace. Not far behind her, Emery shouted, “I got it, Aubree!” Aubree scoffed inwardly. Like hell you do! She sped up again, worried he might chase her.
The match started on schedule. Aubree sat in the front row, tense. They’d beaten Apex Squad last time. She knew this would be the beginning of Apex Squad’s decline. However, she remembered Apex Squad would still place second in this year’s finals. More importantly, she didn’t know what Emery meant by all that. “Nervous?” A mildly amused voice spoke beside her. Aubree turned in surprise. “Bowen? You came?” She instinctively touched the necklace around her neck. She hadn’t seen him since her birthday. Bowen had put the necklace on her that night. Bowen said, “I hold 30% of God’s Fury. Coming to check in as a shareholder isn’t too much, is it?” Aubree smiled. “You’re welcome. Thanks again for the birthday gift. I really liked it.” Looking at the chain on her neck, Bowen smiled as well. “Glad you do. Ollie’s men do have fine craftsmanship. The match is starting. Let’s watch.”
Meanwhile, a short distance away, Emery’s gaze was locked in their direction. He muttered, “Aubree, I will give you everything you want. Last time, you said you wanted Apex Squad. Well, maybe that’s not impossible.”