Chapter 361
He added, "There's no need to draw everyone into your protection circle. They have their own judgment and agency, too."
He hugged her even tighter. Only with her in his arms did his heart finally begin to settle. In front of Aubree, all his usual confidence and master plans fell apart, like a skyscraper – one touch and it all collapsed.
Her sudden trip to Nadio had terrified Bowen. He was afraid that Aubree would find out he’d hidden his identity as the investor. He wasn’t sure what would happen. Best-case scenario, she’d see it as a gesture of affection and fall deeper for him. Worst-case scenario, she would see it as a betrayal and run away from him for good, just like this time, disappearing to a place where he could no longer find her.
Without even realizing it, his grip tightened a bit more.
"Ouch," Aubree gasped softly. Bowen snapped out of it and quickly loosened his grip.
Aubree didn’t think much of it. She just assumed he was nervous that she was still mad about the Birgitte situation. What he said wasn’t wrong. This was Birgitte’s own choice, and Aubree wasn’t someone who couldn’t tell right from wrong.
Aubree said, "You’re right. This was Birgitte’s decision. She’s ready to face the consequences. What I need to do is not let her down."
She smiled at Bowen. "I’m not that mad at you." She was more upset with herself for not being capable enough.
"It’s really late. You haven’t gotten much rest, have you?" Aubree said softly.
Bowen said, "I’m going to wash up."
Only when he had Aubree in his arms again did Bowen feel at ease. No matter what happened next, she was with him now. That was enough. He finally had a good night’s sleep.
The next morning, Aubree woke up. She immediately sensed a gaze fixed on her, not exactly warm.
"You’re awake?" Bowen’s voice cut through the silence.
She cracked her eyes open to see Bowen sitting at the edge of the bed, smiling. But the smile didn’t reach his eyes; it was full of subtle interrogation. Her eyes drifted to his hand. He was holding a photo. It looked really familiar – one she’d just recently developed of Xander.
Bowen asked, "I didn’t notice it yesterday. You specially placed this photo by your bed? Are you changing your taste now? Into guys like this?"
Aubree felt guilty, even though she had absolutely nothing going on with the man in the picture.
"No way," she muttered. Her taste had always been consistent. If someone was outrageously handsome, of course she’d look twice.
Bowen raised an eyebrow.
Aubree coughed awkwardly and sat up with the blanket in her arms. "That’s Alice’s first love, Xander. He’s probably Carmen’s biological father. I was just about to ask you for help. Can you find someone who looks 70-80% like him?"
"That’s not hard," Bowen replied. Even if they couldn’t find someone, they could always make someone look like that.
He asked, "You plan to make Xander’s return and stage a comeback of Alice’s lost love?"
Aubree explained, "The bond between the Wilson and Diamonde families needs to be broken. Alice treats even his daughter so kindly. If a young man who looks just like her long-lost love appears in front of her, she will react..." She shrugged. "I’m just putting someone in front of her. What she does with it is up to her."
"Smart move." Bowen nodded. Her plan was like a small investment, but potentially with a massive return.
He twirled the photo between his fingers before slipping it into his pocket. "Leave it to me."
He continued, "It’s time to get up now. Vincent has already come to call you once. The conference is starting. Ronald, Alice, and the Yurchenko family are all here, too."