Ch. 11..15: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 11-15
Chapter 11: A Witty Comeback
Aurora arrived at her apartment. And as soon as she let herself in, she hurried over to the living room, her gaze, darting across the space.
Abigail sat on the chaise couch staring at the huge bouquet of red roses sitting prettily on the centre table. The man she had rushed home for, was nowhere to be found.
"Where is he?" Aurora breathed, her gaze moving between her best friend and Xander's gift.
"He didn't come up," Abigail revealed. "He had the security at the gate deliver the bouquet to your doorstep instead."
A deep sigh escaped Aurora's lips as she relaxed against the couch, breathing heavily. "Maybe the security didn't let him in because I didn't approve."
"Aura, wake up!" Abigail almost rolled her eyes. "Xander is a fucking Billionaire, and you know what billionaires have? Access and Influence. No one can stop him if he wants to come up."
Aurora sighed to herself again. She felt like an idiot for downplaying Xander's authority, especially knowing he easily brought her into the engagement party on Friday.
"Aren't you going to call your man and thank him for the hundred roses?" Abigail asked.
Aurora walked over to the table and knelt over the bouquet, immediately falling in love with the vibrant colours as the fragrant blend of sweet, floral and slightly spicy notes hit her nose.
It was her first time receiving a huge bouquet.
With Abigail's assistance, she snapped some pictures next to the roses and sent the best shot to Xander with the caption, "Thank you for the hundred roses. I love them."
Xander, who had been waiting for her reaction all day, quickly replied "I'm glad you love all 99 of them." And sent a photo of a red rose lying across his bare muscular chest. "I kept the hundredth one for myself."
Heat crept up Aurora's cheeks when she saw the photo. She wasn't expecting to be teased.
She quickly redirected their conversation. "I will see you tomorrow."
"Abby, what does 99 roses signify?" Aurora inquired, putting her phone down.
Abigail smirked with one glance at the bouquet. "I will love you forever or want to grow old with you."
---
WEDNESDAY.
With Aurora's leave starting today, she organized the stuff she would take to Xander's place before driving to a famous exotic bridal shop with Abigail.
Aurora tried on a few wedding dresses and let Abigail vet her looks.
"This one hides your natural curves," Abigail said thoughtfully as her gaze accessed the silk organza material.
"Good thing I don't plan to show them off," Aurora remarked, staring at herself in the mirror.
Although everything about her wedding with Xander would be taken care of by a professional team, she still wanted to get an idea of the choices she would be making.
Having achieved her goal, Aurora slipped back into her two-piece outfit and got ready to leave. But as she stepped out of the changing room dedicated to her, she bumped into Olivia and Owen.
A glint of surprise momentarily flashed across their eyes.
"Sister, what are you doing in a bridal store?" Olivia taunted, her eyes shimmering with delight. "At least I have a man and a wedding to plan. What do you have?"
Owen smirked. "I think she's still hung up on me." Staring at Aurora, he said, "Indulging in fantasies with me in mind is unhealthy and uncultured. You need to understand that you have lost me for life and that I would never leave Olivia for you."
"Sister, you really need to get a hold of yourself!" Olivia advised, holding onto Owen's arm possessively. Today, she wore a v-neck dress that stopped mid-thighs and showed off a part of her ample chest. "Owen is no longer interested in you. Do you want him to make a billboard out of it before you finally get the message?"
Aurora scoffed in disbelief. The ability of these two to get ahead of themselves and insinuate things that had nothing to do with her amazed her.
Wasn't it clear between them who was actually indulging in fantasies?
"I understand you don't want to give Owen up so easily, but he is mine now, so you–."
"Spare me the nonsense!" Aurora's eyes flashed with annoyance and a hint of impatience. "I don't chase after every stolen item; only the important ones."
Olivia's mouth hung open as Owen's eyes widened in shock, watching Aurora walk away.
"Did she just call me insignificant?" Owen's gaze darkened as realization dawned on him.
On the other hand, Abigail high-fived Aurora as soon as she stepped out. She was thrilled with her witty comeback and had been ready to intervene having overheard the entire conversation.
"Olivia is just 23 yet she speaks to you in such a manner. What a rude brat! You should twist her tongue next time!"
---
At noon, Aurora arrived at Xander's place and was greeted with a hug and a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth.
"Welcome." Xander's eyes crinkled at the corners, his right hand at the small of her back, guiding her inside as the servants carried her stuff in.
"I'm glad you made it for lunch. How was your ride up here?" Xander inquired as he grabbed a warm towel from a servant waiting in the hallway and passed it to her.
Aurora's gaze softened. She wiped her hands clean and let the servant take the towel back. "It was an interesting one."
"Next time, let me help you," Xander said as he grabbed a glass of Lavender cocktail from another servant's tray and handed it to her. "I don't want you to bother with trivial things."
Aurora's gaze darted around, trying to enjoy the beauty of the interior decoration and finishings she couldn't appreciate the first time she visited.
Xander noticed her interest and promised, "I will show you around after lunch."
Arriving at the large dining area, Xander pulled out a chair for Aurora next to the head chair before sitting there.
"After the tour, you will be doing a little paperwork to help the staff cater to your needs, especially, your diet. Also, the doctor will be here later for a comprehensive medical wellness check," he informed her.
Aurora's mouth formed an 'O' as she slowly nodded. She understood that her lifestyle had been upgraded by simply saying 'yes' to Xander's marriage proposal.
After lunch, Xander showed Aurora around. They started from the ground floor and walked their way up. And there was not a section of the house that Aurora didn't fall in love with.
The luxury in Xander's furnishing was on a different dimension, and it's a good thing their taste matched.
Xander showed Aurora all the rooms on the second floor before taking her into his home office where Liam was waiting. He had been in a meeting with the latter before her arrival.
A few minutes later, Xander got a call and excused himself, letting Aurora continue to explore with Liam by her side.
"It seems like Xander studies a lot," Aurora noted as she walked towards the tall bookshelf by her far right. She scanned it and was immediately attracted by the slanted bronze sculpted object at the centre.
"Mr. Scott is inquisitive and loves to read," Liam revealed as he closely followed her.
Aurora nodded in approval, her eyes, admiring the sculpture. "What is that?"
"Just a decorative piece," Liam replied. But as soon as she reached out to touch it, he quickly called out to her, "Ms. Swift."
Aurora dropped her hand, turning to meet his polite gaze.
"Mr. Scott has an impressive fruit garden at the back," Liam said, beckoning her to follow him. "I will show it to you."
Chapter 12: Three Loud Bangs
Aurora glanced at the slanted bronze sculpture and felt a deep pull towards it. Her interest was piqued.
She wanted to check the possibility of straightening the object, but with Liam waiting for her, she reluctantly followed him out.
Xander indeed had an impressive fruit garden which was daily tended to. There were different species of fruits Aurora had never seen or heard of. And she got to learn some of their names and take a tour thanks to the gardener and Liam by her side.
"Mr. Scott is keen on a healthy lifestyle hence, the reason for the different varieties of fruits," the gardener explained, proud of his job.
"That's a good concept." Aurora nodded in agreement.
Interestingly, she got to pluck some of the ripe fruits herself with Xander watching from a distance, totally fascinated by her.
"Did you have fun today?" Xander asked as they walked back towards the house with Liam following behind them, Aurora's fruit basket, in his possession.
Aurora's face lit up with a smile, "Yes, I did." Releasing a deep breath, she continued, "I haven't had fun outside of my best friend's company so, thank you for today."
The possibility of Aurora having fun at home with Olivia and Stella present was zero to none. With them always looking for ways to dampen her mood daily, she didn't have the mental stability to be at peace. Therefore, it was only with Abigail that she found rest.
"As long as you are willing, you will never get bored with me," Xander assured her.
Back in the house, Aurora freshened up in the master bedroom she shared with Xander and came back to the living area.
Xander's domestic staff were introduced to her formally, and she got to fill out the paperwork that would help them serve her better and meet her needs. That way, she would be getting maximum satisfaction.
Afterwards, the doctor Xander mentioned arrived to check Aurora's vitals, and everything was perfect and running.
A professional tailor came by to take Aurora and Xander's measurements for their wedding outfits which will be made in Italy. And over dinner, Aurora and Xander had a video call with their wedding planner and finalized everything regarding their ceremony, down to the decorations.
"It's just us and the priest, why the elaborate arrangements?" Aurora asked Xander after the call.
"I want to create special memories with you," he revealed, looking into her eyes.
Aurora blinked shyly and turned to face her food the next second. "Why don't you live in the Scott residence with the rest of your family?" She inquired, dapping the serviette at the corner of her lips.
The smile on Xander's face reached his eyes as he watched her. "There is always drama in a room with many people. And I like me some peace."
His response made Aurora understand that one thing was common in families, whether they be big or small, rich or poor. Drama.
---
The next morning, the popular controversial blogger posted a new article that set tongues wagging again.
"BREAKING SCANDAL ROCKS WING CITY!
PLAYBOY MILLIONAIRE'S LIFE HANGS IN BALANCE
In a shocking turn of events, notorious playboy Victor was involved in a near-fatal car crash last night, leaving him clinging to life. Eyewitnesses describe the mangled wreckage as a miracle survival story. But the real bombshell? Police confirm Victor was behind the wheel, intoxicated.
Another scandal unfolds as Victor fights for his life at First City Private Hospital. Aurora Swift has fled her family home, heartbroken and betrayed. Why? Her younger sister, Olivia Scott, is set to tie the knot with Aurora's ex-boyfriend, Owen Scott - son of basketball legend and DANTE Group affiliate.
WEDDING BELLS & BROKEN HEARTS
Olivia and Owen were spotted yesterday at Today's Woman exotic bridal shop, finalizing wedding plans. Meanwhile, Aurora is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. The once-inseparable sisters are now worlds apart, torn by love, loyalty, and deceit.
Stay glued to our blog for exclusive updates on this salacious scandal. Will Victor survive? Can Aurora overcome her heartbreak? And what secrets lie beneath Olivia and Owen's whirlwind romance?
THE DRAMA HAS JUST BEGUN..."
~Tea Time.
---
Adam repeatedly pointed at the newspaper headline, asking, "How did this person know Aurora has moved out? Who in this house, is spreading details about our family to outsiders?!"
"Dad, I'm very sure Aurora has a hand in this just to get some attention for herself," Olivia said confidently.
From the side, Stella exhaled deeply, feigning disappointment. "Adam, Aurora is turning our family into a laughing stock, and you need to do something about it immediately."
As soon as she said that, Adam's gaze darkened. "How did you conclude Aurora is behind this? Do you think she is shameless like some people?!"
The mother and daughter pair shut their mouths immediately seeing as their plans were already backfiring.
On the other hand, Aurora sat in Xander's private jet, staring eye-wide at the blog post, en route to Italy.
"Since when were Olivia and I once inseparable? Who said I ran away from home because I was heartbroken and betrayed?"
Aurora was deeply offended by the misinterpretation of her character by the blogger and craved to give her a piece of advice.
"What are you furious about?" Xander asked, smoothening her brows.
"Just some crazy post," Aurora answered as she put her tablet away.
A glint flashed in Xander's eyes. It was his first time seeing her that annoyed. "Don't waste your precious time on that. We are landing in twenty minutes."
---
As soon as Aurora and Xander landed in Venice, they checked into the private villa they rented for their stay and wedding, before getting started with their wedding photos.
Next, they met with their wedding planner and tried on their wedding outfits before going to the open space in the yard to see the decorations just as Aurora had opted.
"Everything is so beautiful," Aurora said to the wedding planner, confirming her satisfaction and approval.
"I'm glad you like it," the wedding planner smiled and briefed them about tomorrow's ceremony before they left to go have dinner.
---
Xander cut through his Italian dish, Vitello Tonnato, with his cutlery, his gaze, never leaving Aurora.
"How are you liking the arrangements so far?"
Aurora lifted her gaze. It took her a few moments to fully grasp his question. "You offer the best services, making me want to leave everything in your hands."
"I'm glad you trust me," he smirked, pointing a fork in her direction.
Aurora shook her head, forcing back a smile. "Don't get too cocky."
"Too late," he beamed. Lowering his tone, he added, "My cock is already hard for you."
Aurora choked on her food, and Xander promptly handed her a napkin, chuckling in delight. But as she took it, three loud banging sounds of gunshots pierced through their ears, instantly ruining the lighthearted atmosphere.
Aurora cowered as Xander protected her in his embrace, the light in his eyes, dimming.
Chapter 13: I Do
"Wait here, I'll be right back," Xander said, releasing Aurora from his embrace as he stood up, but she refused to him go, grasping his hand. "Don't leave me alone," her eyes pleaded.
Xander's gaze locked onto hers for a moment before their fingers intertwined. "Stay close," he instructed before pulling a handgun from his back.
Instantly, Aurora's eyes widened, her heart racing as she stared at the weapon in his hand.
Before she could process the surprise, Xander scanned their environment as he guided her outside toward the open ground where the gunshots had echoed.
In the distance, four of Xander's bodyguards encircled something. And as he approached them with Aurora, they swiftly turned around and bowed respectfully to him.
"Sir, we apologize for the disturbance," one explained. "We neutralized two drones belonging to this individual." With that, they stepped aside, revealing a motionless figure on the grass, a bullet hole bore into the back of his head
Aurora gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she stumbled backwards. Xander swiftly drew her into his protective embrace. It was her first time seeing such a gory scene.
Xander's gaze narrowed at his bodyguards. "You killed him?" he asked, his tone firm.
"He defied orders, attempted escape, and aimed a pistol at us, sir." The men apologized, tactically producing the pistol.
Xander's brow darkened as he examined the pistol, but his focus remained on Aurora, who trembled in his arms.
"Summon the doctor to my bedroom," he instructed. "Process the intruder's fingerprints and discreetly notify the authorities."
Security was beefed up as Xander ushered Aurora into their bedroom. And the doctor who accompanied them on the trip arrived shortly to examine her.
After the doctor's departure, Aurora's anxiety surfaced. "Your guards killed a man!" she exclaimed, pacing.
Xander countered calmly, "He broke in armed, posing a threat to us. My men had to do their job."
Aurora stopped, her eyes searching Xander's, still reeling from the shocking moments that started off with the gunshot sound and ended with the body of a dead man. She was honestly afraid.
"Can you assure me that I didn't make a mistake by agreeing to this marriage arrangement with you?" She asked, gazing at him, her eyes, desperately pleading for a hopeful response.
If only Aurora had an idea of the turning events in the future, she would have asked him if it was dangerous being with him.
Xander stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "Aurora, wealth comes with enemies. That's why we have bodyguards. Your father faces similar risks as well."
Xander's gentle squeeze and honest gaze comforted her, and he enveloped her in a soothing embrace.
---
"Do you, Aurora Swift, take Xander Scott, to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The priest asked, his gaze fixed on Aurora.
On the other hand, Aurora was unmoving. The scene from last night still bothered her. She was wondering if she would be seeing more of that gory scene after entering Xander's life.
"Aurora," Xander's gentle voice pulled Aurora back from her trance. She was startled for a moment before recognizing their surroundings.
The priest cleared his throat, recapturing their attention. "Do you, Aurora Swift, take Xander Scott as your lawfully wedded husband?" he repeated.
"I do," Aurora stated.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Groom, you may kiss your bride," the priest announced.
Xander's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, taking in Aurora's flushed cheeks. He enveloped her waist, drawing her close. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before his lips brushed against hers in a tender kiss.
After posing for photographs, Xander swept Aurora off her feet, eliciting a delighted yelp.
"I can walk," she reminded him, arms instinctively circling his neck.
"I know," Xander replied, smiling, carrying her into the house in a romantic princess hold.
---
A few hours later, Aurora and Xander sat down to a lavish dinner spread. Xander popped open a champagne bottle, filling their glasses with golden liquid.
"Happy married life to us!" he toasted.
Their glasses clinked together, and they shared a warm smile.
As Xander sipped his champagne, he noticed Aurora downing the entire content of her glass. "You love champagnes that much?" he asked.
"I do," she smiled, requesting for a refill. "As winemakers, everyone in my family love to drink."
Xander refilled her glass and set the bottle down. "Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my family with age setting in amongst the elders."
Aurora's eyes sparkled with surprise. "Your parents and older siblings don't indulge in champagne during special occasions?"
"Not anymore." Xander shook his head. "They've shifted to low-alcohol, additive-free drinks."
Immediately, Aurora's gaze lit up. Setting her cutlery down, she revealed enthusiastically, "Xander, you might have just inspired a breakthrough for my project."
---
The next day, Aurora left to explore the wine market in Venice with a few bodyguards under her radar.
She watched the locals making wine and tried a few glasses while taking notes on her notepad before returning to the private villa.
"You are not going to ask to come with me?" Aurora inquired, watching Xander from the corner of her eyes as she stuffed a few items into her backpack.
Xander shook his head, smiling. "I'm going to let you take care of your business while I attend to a few meetings here."
He hadn't randomly fixed his wedding in Venice. He had come for someone.
"Okay, see you tomorrow." Aurora waved at him and turned to head for the door. But as she grasped the door handle, he grabbed her arm and spun her around.
"You are not going to give your husband a goodbye kiss?" He asked as the corner of his lips lifted in a grin.
Aurora stared at him, her brows slightly furrowing with a glint of confusion in her eyes. Xander had no patience and directly leaned in to kiss her softly.
"Goodbye," he chuckled, slowly dragging his tongue over his lower lips.
While Aurora left for France, Xander attended to his own business.
"Have you found his exact location?" Xander asked Liam as he walked towards his black G-wagon jeep.
"Yes, Sir. The exchange will commence in thirteen minutes. We need to get there now, but the others might be a problem." Liam confirmed as two other jeeps pulled up behind the G-Wagon.
Xander nodded solemnly. "For today's mission, protecting me shouldn't be your priority, catching that loser is! Also, shoot anyone who tries to escape or poses a serious threat if you can't handle the situation," he instructed.
"Yes, Sir!" Liam held the back passenger door open of the G-Wagon for Xander to get in, before jumping into the front passenger seat.
Chapter 14: The Secret Path
Aurora arrived in France late noon in Xander's private jet two hours later.
She checked into her hotel room, had lunch and immediately set out to explore the Champagne Region; asking questions, watching them make wine and taking notes.
The next day at noon, she returned to Venice. And to her surprise, Xander had a bandage on his left hand.
"Welcome home, Princess," Xander greeted her with a smile, a glass of scotch in his right hand and his arms spread apart.
"What happened to your hand?" Aurora dropped her bag on the sofa and walked towards him, eyes narrowed. She ignored the hug he was requesting and peered at his hand.
A deep sigh escaped his lips. "I slit my palm while trying to peel an apple."
She found his story absurd but had no choice but to believe him. Then her eyes went to the glass in his hand. Lines appeared on her forehead. "You are injured and you are drinking. Who taught you that?"
Without waiting for his response, she snatched it from him and set it aside.
"How was your trip?" He pulled her in for a hug and pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Tiring but fulfilling," she replied, stepping out of his embrace. "I will be trying a few experiments later."
"That's great! I will be stepping out for a moment, but I will be back in time to join you for dinner," he informed, his eyes, glowing with pride.
---
Aurora started her experiment in the open kitchen with the champagne and fruits she brought back.
She topped a half-glass of champagne with sparkling water and stirred it before sipping it. Immediately, she stuck out her tongue. "Too bland."
Next, she ground her peach fruit and squeezed it out of the juice before repeating the experiment.
This time, she had 50% champagne, 30% peach juice and 20% sparkling water in a glass. She stirred everything in and brought the glass to her lips for a sip.
"I finally got it!" she laughed. "I think I should try this with other fruits and the wines," she mumbled to herself and then went on to use pomegranate and passion fruits with red and white wines.
When Xander returned late in the evening, he learnt that Aurora had been up on her feet for more than two hours in the kitchen. He quickly made his way over.
As soon as he arrived, she passed him a glass of her experiment and asked him to try it, looking expectantly.
"Wow!" Xander seemed satisfied with the end product as his gaze took in the messy kitchen with several fruits scattered on the counter. "This is great!"
Aurora beamed with a smile as she picked up her notepad. "I have a new product proposal to prepare," she informed and dashed for the stairs.
Xander watched tiredly until her back disappeared from his sight. It seemed like she had forgotten their dinner plans.
---
The next day Monday, Aurora and Xander flew back to Wing City.
"You pulled an all-nighter yesterday and barely slept a wink on the flight. You should get some sleep now," Xander suggested as soon as they stepped into their bedroom.
Aurora didn't think she should be taking a rest at the moment since she hadn't completed her slide presentation, but when she saw the dark circles under her eyes after he led her to the standing mirror in their walk-in closet, she thought he was right.
Xander handed her a cup of a hot pale-yellow liquid. "Drink it and go to bed." But she eyed the content and made no move to take it from him.
"You think it's poison?" A deep throaty laughter escaped Xander's lips. "I thought you trusted me. This is just chamomile tea to help you sleep better."
Aurora finally took the cup from him. "I still trust you," she confirmed and brought the rims of the cup to her lips. Soon, she fell asleep.
Xander took a shower and slipped on three-quarter shorts and a Boss polo before emerging from the dressing room. Immediately, his eyes fell on Aurora sleeping soundly on the bed, her nest of long hair, scattered above her head.
He quietly walked over to her side and adjusted the duvet before sitting next to her. Catching the yellow diamond wedding ring on her left hand, the corner of his eyes curved into a crescent moon. She was finally his.
After watching her for a while, his gaze found her phone sitting on the nightstand and immediately reached for it. He pressed her left thumb on the back of her phone to unlock it having seen her do it a few times before leaving the room with it.
"You've got fifteen minutes to slip the chip in and return it," he said to Liam as he handed Aurora's phone over.
Liam left with the phone and returned at exactly fifteen minutes, having accomplished the mission. Then Xander took the phone back to the master bedroom and placed it in the same spot he had picked it up from.
When Aurora woke up later, she found Xander lying next to her with a big smile on his lips.
"Watching me sleep, is creepy," she joked, feeling energized as she slowly sat up on the bed and patted down her hair.
"Watching my wife sleep isn't creepy," he mused, sitting up as well. "We are going to pick up our marriage certificates after work tomorrow. I will come pick you up."
Aurora raised a curious brow. "Are you not afraid of being seen together?"
"I will pierce the eyes of anyone who looks where they aren't supposed to," he chuckled softly.
She shook her head and inquired about the form from the marriage registry since they would collect their marriage certificates the next day.
"It's on my laptop which happens to be in my office," he replied. "I will go get it so we can fill it and sign."
"You are injured, I will help you get it," she said, getting off the bed.
Aurora got to Xander's study. She found his laptop on his desk and picked it up. But as she turned to leave, her gaze landed on the slanted sculpture. She walked past the door and went straight for it.
"I don't know about others, but a sculpture is meant to stand erect." Saying that, she slipped the laptop under her left armpit and grabbed the object. And in her attempt to reposition it with just one hand, the wall next to the gigantic bookshelf parted.
Aurora's gaze widened, her heart leaping in her chest as she stood there dumbstruck, staring at the secret passage that opened up in front of her.
Chapter 15: Convincing Power
"Mrs. Scott, what are you doing?" Liam walked into the study, his gaze narrowing, seeing Aurora standing in front of the tall bookshelf.
Aurora quickly turned to meet his suspicious gaze, completely masking her shock. She felt so lucky to have closed the secret path before he walked in.
"I came to get Xander's laptop," she answered, letting out a soft sigh.
Immediately, Liam's gaze moved to the laptop in her hands, but then, he didn't trust her motives seeing as she stood before the sculpted object. And as if she knew what he was thinking, she quickly faced the bookshelf and pointed towards a medical textbook.
"Your boss seems to be into a lot of things. He even has a medical textbook on his shelf. Does he read them or are they all for decorations?"
Liam released a deep sigh as his gaze landed on the textbook she was pointing at. "Mr. Scott has a deep quest for knowledge and is highly inquisitive. He likes to read a lot of things, therefore, the reason he knows a bit of everything."
"I see..." Aurora drawled, nodding like she understood the point. Suddenly, she whipped her head back to him. "Apart from the servant's quarters, is there another building in this residence?"
Something shifted in Liam's eyes. He had a feeling that Aurora's question wasn't a random one and that she might have found out something. And with her staring at him closely, he quickly got a hold of himself, trying not to give out any complicated emotion.
"Mr. Scott does have a workstation where he loves to put two or three together. As you know, he is a tech guru who is into developing a lot of gadgets," he revealed.
The corners of Aurora's lips stretched into a smile, her gaze, glinting with interest. "Can I see his workstation?"
"Unfortunately, Mr. Scott is very busy with an important project and will need some time to make up for the four-day break he took. Until then, you can't take a tour," Liam explained politely.
Aurora nodded in understanding. "I will patiently wait then."
"Let me assist you with that." Liam took the laptop from her and led the way out.
When Aurora got back to the master bedroom, she passed the laptop to Xander and asked, "Your assistant is no fun. Why is he so uptight?"
"He is doing his job." Xander chuckled heartily and touched the tip of her nose. "Also, note that I am the only man you should find fun."
---
TUESDAY.
Xander discreetly dropped Aurora off at work and departed. Confidently, she strode into the meeting room for her presentation.
Adam scanned the room, his gaze lingering on Aurora and Olivia. "Who's presenting first?" he inquired.
Olivia glanced at Aurora whose brow furrowed in concentration and smirked. "I'll go first," she declared, rising smoothly to her feet.
Olivia connected her laptop to the projector with unwavering confidence and began her presentation. Her slideshow unfolded, showcasing vibrant images and videos of champagne bottles popping and splashing at lavish parties.
"Today, I introduce 'Spraying Champagne,' made from soured and unripe leftover grapes from our shipment that compromises the quality standards of our premium champagnes. This eco-friendly alternative meets the demand for champagne spraying at parties, without waste."
Olivia elaborated on her concept before concluding.
"Aren't you concerned labelling an expensive champagne 'Not for Drinking' might offend consumers?" one of the boards of directors present in the meeting asked.
"Isn't the fun in wasting drinkable, expensive champagne lost with a non-drinkable alternative?" another added.
Olivia countered, her gaze intense, "Why would they object to a tailored alternative? I'm confident my product will disrupt the market. If you're unsure, sit back and observe its success."
Murmurs erupted in the room as Olivia returned to her seat. A good number of the people present thought she was exhibiting arrogance and not confidence. Unfortunately, she didn't give a fuck about their opinions.
Aurora presented next, showcasing her slides. "My research revealed people over 60 often avoid champagne due to high alcohol content, missing out on social fun. I've created a solution."
She explained her product, 'Fruit Punch Champagne' which has 50% champagne, 30% fresh fruit juice, and 20% sparkling water.
Samples were distributed, immediately earning instant approval – except for Olivia, seething in discontent.
'I bet she definitely bought this idea for a hefty sum,' she thought, balling her fists under the table. She desperately wanted to believe Aurora had paid people to come up with that idea just like she had done with the 'Spraying Champagne' bottle.
A director asked, "Isn't evenly diluted champagne better canned than bottled?"
Aurora countered, pointing to the big screen. "This product targets elderly wealthy individuals seeking low-alcohol options for private and public gatherings, and bottling maintains luxury appeal."
As Adam chaired the meeting, he beamed with pride at Aurora and Olivia's creativity. His strategic decision to pit them against each other yielded impressive results.
Although he knew that no one would understand the reason for his actions, he was satisfied with the results.
After some deliberations, Adam, and the two board of directors had the same agreement and reached a decision.
A few minutes later, Aurora and Olivia were both thrilled as they got the approval to commence with the next step of their ideas, which entails production and product design. They immediately called their team members for briefing.
Aurora noticed that two people from her seven team members were missing and inquired about them. "Are they on a leave?"
The five people remaining in her team exchanged glances before one of them mustered the courage to reveal their whereabouts.
"They have moved to another camp."
Aurora's brows furrowed. She was genuinely confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"In your absence, Director Olivia talked to us to join her team and managed to convince those two."
Instantly, Aurora's jaw tightened, her fists, clenching by her sides. "It looks like Olivia has lost her mind!" she spat and stormed out of her office for Olivia's.