Chapter 174

Emery wanted to leave, but of course, Ronald would never allow it. Anger aside, he still had to talk him into staying.

Ronald looked at Emery and said, “Come on, wasn’t all this just about getting Aubree back? Aubree also started her club. Her club is still quite new, and the only notable achievement they have is League of Legends. Apex Squad just hit a snag with their most profitable League of Legends division. Wouldn’t merging the two be the perfect complementary solution?”

Ronald continued, “You think she’d refuse? Relax. Last time Bryan and I went to see her, she was already softening her stance. This time, we’re giving her the entire Apex Squad as an apology gift–what’s not to like? Her club would call the shots, with full investment from the Wilson Group backing it.”

Ronald played his cards right. Emery’s reluctance to keep managing the club was all about Aubree. So he’d use her as leverage to persuade Emery.

Last time, when Aubree demanded all the shares of the Wilson Group, it was clear she had her own agenda. Now that he was handing her the entire Apex Squad on a silver platter, he was sure she wouldn’t be even slightly tempted. Both clubs had their strengths and weaknesses, and since they were both under the Wilson umbrella, who managed them was irrelevant–as long as the Wilson family profited in the end.

Little did Ronald know, however, that when Aubree had made that demand last time, she was perfectly aware he would never actually agree to it. If the Wilson family really lost their minds and handed her the shares, of course, Aubree would be thrilled. Once she got them, she’d kick the whole damn family out onto the streets, leaving them utterly destitute.

Aubree secured the connection with the Mattei family and partnered with Aidan. Whether she admitted it or not, Bowen’s influence was behind it all. And Bowen was quick to press his advantage.

Before Aubree could even say a word, Bowen couldn’t wait to rush over and claim the credit. He texted her: [Don’t you think you owe me a thank you this time?]

[Yeah, I gotta thank you for the help,] Aubree replied. She acknowledged the favor.

‘Admitted it? Perfect,’ Bowen smirked slyly, sending shivers down the spines of those around him. No one could tell which poor soul Bowen was scheming against now.

Bowen: [So, when you have some free time, how about coming with me to Gracefield Church? Dad went there to pray last time and asked me to fulfill the vow. Coincidentally, the roses at the church are in full bloom this season–they’re quite a sight.]

What Bowen didn’t mention was that his father’s prayer had been for him to settle down soon. That wish really did come true.

The weather forecast said there would be snow in the coming days. Bowen slightly lowered his eyelids, veiling the dark thoughts in his eyes.

Little did Aubree know there were so many hidden agendas behind all this. Gracefield Church was famous in Rithol City–not only for its reputation, but also for its spectacular Rose Garden.

‘Might as well check it out,’ she thought.

[Sure,] Aubree replied.

Bowen said he was free, and true to his word, he drove straight to Aubree’s place the very next day to pick her up himself. Determined to finally get the private time he’d been scheming for ages, he didn’t even bring a bodyguard.

They were already on their way up the mountain. Gracefield Church sat halfway up the slope, accessible only after navigating a winding mountain road and a final stretch on foot.

Bowen said, “The meals and roses at Gracefield Church are quite renowned. After we pray, we can check them out and if we have time, maybe stay for a meal.”

“Can’t wait to see them,” Aubree replied with a smile. Perhaps it was the string of recent good fortune–the club’s championship win and the company’s bright prospects–that had visibly brightened her complexion. Even her usual reserve toward Bowen had softened.

Aubree didn’t spot many people heading up the mountain along the way, but she didn’t give it much thought. With the chilly weather, a sparse crowd wasn’t particularly surprising.

The higher they climbed, the colder it got. Stepping out of the car, they were greeted by an endless flight of gray brick steps, winding upward until they disappeared from sight.

As they ascended the steps, the heavy toll of prayer ribbons grew clearer. Against the ancient, stark landscape, prayer ribbons fluttered in the wind–each one a silent wish left by prayers.

The church was quite large, yet there were surprisingly few visitors around.