Chapter 1024: Do Not Turn Against Me

“What is it?” Aubree asked, scowling. Frieda retrieved her phone and showed her several photos. The first showed a tent; nearby lay a white skirt.

The image revealed little else, but Aubree’s face hardened. “I know the tent. It’s the one Roxanne and those children set up that day. The white skirt is probably the one I wore.”

The photo’s limited scope suggested a deliberate attempt to target her. A subsequent photo depicted Aubree herself, wearing the skirt and holding a white medicine bottle containing an unidentified substance. The series culminated with Aubree positioning something—presumably bacteria—before departing.

Aubree’s expression darkened as she reached the last picture. “Where did you get these?” she demanded.

Frieda explained quickly, “I don’t know. Someone sent them to me yesterday with this text.” She showed Aubree a message: “I know you’re good friends with Aubree Pearson. Show these photos to Ms. Pearson and tell her I’ll delete them if she pays me ten million. Otherwise, Mr. Farwell will receive them soon!”

For days, Cory had avoided contacting Aubree, under surveillance by Lucian’s men. Yet, the lure of money proved too strong. He’d eventually texted Frieda, hoping to ensure Aubree—rather than Lucian—saw the incriminating evidence.

“Aubree, you know who sent this, right?” Frieda asked cautiously.

Aubree gritted her teeth. “Cory Zaythrone! I hired the best private investigator, only to discover he’s extorting his clients. I should have been more careful.”

Seeing Aubree’s rage, Frieda surmised she knew the sender. “Did you upset someone who then followed you? If not, how were these pictures taken?”

Aubree, suppressing her fury, replied icily, “This is the private investigator I hired to follow Roxanne!” She added, almost as an afterthought, “Frieda has seen these photos; we’re in this together. I don’t mind telling you my plan.”

Frieda stiffened, then realized Aubree had been ensnared. She couldn't believe someone had managed to trap her.

“What was in the bottle?” Frieda asked curiously.

Aubree explained her plan, concluding, “I taught those children a lesson before, but they didn’t learn. So I decided to let them suffer again.”

Something struck Frieda. “The bacteria you asked me for…”

Before she finished, Aubree interrupted, “You guessed it! We’re in this together, so don’t you dare turn against me!”