Chapter 329
Aubree never would have imagined that, despite Carmen’s clear dislike for her, Carmen still respected her character.
Carmen knew conventional methods wouldn’t work on Aubree. But she remembered that Aubree was the type to repay kindness. So, her plan was to have someone harass Aubree, then she’d swoop in with her people to rescue Aubree.
‘Aubree definitely wouldn’t bother to look into this, and even if she did, she’d never trace it back to me,’ Carmen thought to herself. ‘No matter how disgusted or unwilling Aubree is, a favor owed is still a favor owed. When I invite her to my art exhibition, it’ll just be a matter of course.’
At first, Aubree hadn’t suspected that Carmen was involved because it didn’t seem like something Carmen would pull off. But Carmen’s exaggerated expression was so telling that Aubree couldn’t help but connect the dots.
Carmen hadn’t expected Lilia to bring such a pathetic bunch. They couldn’t even handle Aubree, a girl. Still, as someone good at pretenses, Carmen’s face twisted for a split second before she instantly put on a look of surprise. “Thank goodness you’re alright, Aubree.”
“What are you doing here?” Aubree played along as she tried to figure out what game Carmen was playing.
“I was helping my mentor deliver something to a friend at the art school. On the way, I heard you were having trouble at the cafeteria, so I called my bodyguards over. But it looks like you’re fine, Aubree.”
The troublemakers were quickly escorted away by campus security and handed over to the counselor.
The onlookers dispersed once the spectacle was over.
Aubree stared at Carmen with an icy expression. Carmen offered a fawning smile and said, “Aubree, I know you dislike me–”
“Then why don’t you get lost already?”
Aubree’s words left Carmen momentarily speechless, but she deliberately ignored them and continued, “I’ve come to realize some of my past actions were wrong. I sincerely apologize to you.”
With that, Carmen even bowed deeply. Aubree found it quite novel. In both timelines, this was the most sincere apology she’d ever seen from Carmen.
“If you think my apology isn’t sincere, Aubree, just hit me to vent your anger.”
Aubree thought, ‘A deal this sweet?’
Aubree couldn’t help but laugh. This was hands down the most sincere apology Carmen had ever given.
“Okay.”
Carmen was just putting on a show. She figured with people still watching, Aubree would have to keep up appearances. Even if Aubree refused her apology, surely she wouldn’t lay a hand on her in public.
Aubree’s hand shot up, and she landed a sharp, stinging slap. “Smack!”
“Who knew you’d actually ask for something like this? As your good sister, of course, I’m happy to oblige.”
Carmen was stunned, rooted to the spot like a statue.
The resounding slap landed squarely across her face, leaving a searing pain. Half her cheek was aflame with scorching agony.
“What?” Carmen stammered in disbelief, utterly stunned that Aubree had actually slapped her.
But just as Aubree had pointed out, this was Carmen’s own doing. No matter how much it stung or how furious she felt, she couldn’t let it show. She had to grit her teeth and endure it. Worse still, she had to force a smile and ask if Aubree was appeased and willing to forgive her.
Aubree felt much better after that slap. “Spit it out. What are you really after?”
“Did you get my text, Aubree?” Carmen asked with puppy-dog eyes. “I’d love for you to come to my art exhibition.”
If Aubree hadn’t known better, she might have believed Carmen was just a lovely girl, yearning for someone special to witness her big moment.
Unfortunately, Carmen wasn’t a lovely girl, and Aubree wasn’t the special person to Carmen.
“Well, about that…”
Aubree deliberately drew out her words, then finally nodded her agreement under Carmen’s anxious gaze.
Aubree wanted to see what tricks Carmen was up to this time.
“Alright, let’s not stand around here like circus freaks on display,” Aubree said. Convinced that Carmen’s art exhibition was anything but simple, she strode off without a backward glance.