Ch. 111..115: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 111-115
Chapter 111: An Undeniable Connection
Xander couldn’t help the amused chuckle that escaped his lips as Aurora crossed her arms defensively, unintentionally amplifying the effect of her compressed chest. His gaze flicked downward again, mischief dancing in his eyes.
"Sweetheart," he teased, "you’re only making things worse."
Aurora followed his gaze and immediately realized her actions had backfired. Her arms, pressed tightly against her chest, only highlighted the curve of her skin. Narrowing her eyes at him, she muttered, "You..."
"This problem," he said, his voice laced with mock seriousness, "can only be solved one way."
Annoyed by his teasing but unwilling to give him the satisfaction of arguing further, Aurora flopped onto her stomach. "Fine. Just tie it back," she huffed, her irritation barely masking the small grin tugging at her lips.
Xander expertly knotted the bikini strings behind her back and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder, signalling it was done. Aurora sat up, casting him a warning look, but before she could say more, two servants approached carrying a fancy breakfast basket.
"The weather’s a bit warm," Aurora commented as she reached for a plate. "Why don’t you take your shirt off?"
Xander smirked, watching her pick at the grilled homemade chicken sausage. "I’ll take it off when it’s time for a swim," he replied before snatching the sausage stick from her hand after she’d barely had a bite.
"Really?" Aurora raised an eyebrow, shaking her head as she reached for a glass of chilled orange juice which was just something her body needed at the moment.
Xander’s playful antics never ceased to amaze her. They were moments like these—lighthearted and carefree—that made her wonder how he’d manage once they had children. The fleeting thought of parenthood made her pause, but she quickly brushed it aside, shaking her head in the process. She wasn’t ready for that Chapter of their lives yet.
"What kind of unacceptable thoughts are you having over there?" Xander asked, interrupting her daydreams as he scooped some baked beans with his spoon.
Aurora tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Why don’t you open my head and find out the kind of unacceptable thoughts that are there?"
Xander pretended to think deeply about her request before meeting her gaze. "I will think about it," he replied with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
---
After breakfast, the two house-helps from earlier returned to clear the dishes, leaving the couple free to enjoy the pool. Laughter echoed through the yard as Aurora and Xander splashed around, challenging each other to races.
By the third round, Aurora swam to the edge, panting heavily. "I’m done!" she declared, hoisting herself out of the pool.
Xander chuckled, his tone teasing. "Giving up so soon, Sweetheart? I would have let you win this time."
Aurora shot him a sharp look as she reached for a towel at the foot of one of the sun loungers. "You’ve been saying that since the first race, yet here we are. Do I look stupid enough to believe you again?"
Xander burst into deep throaty laughter as his head dipped backwards. Lifting his head again, he watched as she dried herself off with quick, annoyed movements. Despite her frustration, he found her endearing.
When she refused his attempts to coax her back into the pool, he finally gave up and climbed out himself. After drying off, he collapsed onto the sun lounger beside her.
"When will the results from the promotion task be announced?" he asked, his tone shifting to one of casual curiosity.
"Tomorrow morning," Aurora replied promptly.
"Good," Xander nodded thoughtfully.
She tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. "What are you planning?"
"You’ll find out tomorrow," he replied with a mysterious smirk.
"You really enjoy being so mysterious, don’t you?" she muttered, shaking her head.
Xander chuckled and stood, offering her his hand. "Let’s go inside and shower," he responded, clearly avoiding her question.
---
Asher’s Residence.
Abigail stirred from a restless sleep, her head pounding. Disoriented, she sat up, clutching the soft robe draped over her body. Her gaze darted around the unfamiliar room, her confusion deepening.
Before she could gather her thoughts, three soft knocks sounded on the door.
"I’m coming in," Asher’s familiar voice called, and the door swung open moments later.
Abigail turned sharply, her eyes narrowing. "You brought me to your house after the party?" she asked as she finally put two and two together.
Asher folded his arms, leaning against the doorframe with a nonchalant expression. "Good morning to you, too," he quipped, sarcasm dripping from his tone.
She ignored his jab, her suspicions flaring. "Did you change my clothes last night?"
A wicked grin spread across Asher’s face. "And what if I did?" he asked, his tone teasing as he suddenly decided to get a little revenge for her rude attitude seconds ago to see her reaction.
Abigail’s jaw clenched, as fury flashed in her eyes. Without a second thought, she grabbed the lamp from the nightstand and hurled it at him.
Asher uncrossed his arms and ducked just in time, the lamp smashing against the door behind him, sending shards of glass scattering across the floor.
"What the fuck!" he barked, his eyes wide in disbelief as he straightened his back. "Were you trying to kill me?" He was still in disbelief and shock at her unexpected violence.
Abigail crossed her arms, her gaze icy. "If I wanted to kill you, you’d be in the morgue by now. You wouldn’t even have the chance to ask that stupid question."
Asher let out a disbelieving scoff as he put his hands on his waist with a straight gaze on her. "Should I be thanking you for sparing my life, then?"
Abigail smirked, tilting her head. "Yes. If you have any gratitude in you, you would have been know-towing at my feet right now."
Asher shook his head, biting back a laugh despite himself. "You’re impossible."
"And you’re infuriating," she shot back, though her lips twitched with the hint of a smile.
The tension between them lingered, but beneath the sharp words and fiery glares, an undeniable connection simmered, one neither was quite ready to acknowledge.
Chapter 112: Never-changing Perspective
Asher leaned away from the doorframe, his lips twitching in amusement as Abigail’s brows furrowed. "My housekeeper cleaned you up after you threw up all over yourself earlier this morning," he explained, wiggling his eyebrows playfully. "I warned you about the drinks, didn’t I?"
Abigail scowled at his teasing tone and reached for a pillow, clearly tempted to hurl it at him. She seemed ever-ready to throw things within her reach at him.
Sensing the impending attack, Asher raised his hands defensively. "Freshen up and come out for breakfast. Your new outfit is on its way," he added quickly, before stepping out of the room and shutting the door behind him.
As the soft thud echoed, Abigail let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping in relief. She couldn’t remember much from the previous night, but she was certain that her current situation was bound to be humiliating.
---
After taking a quick shower, Abigail stepped out of the guestroom dressed in a simple yet elegant floral-patterned white dress that fell just above her knees; which happened to be a part of Asher’s collection. She smoothed the fabric nervously, glancing around the unfamiliar house.
Her gaze fell on the staircase leading upwards, curiosity tugging at her. ’Who knows what I can find up there’ she thought to herself. Unable to resist the temptation, she began climbing.
She had barely reached the next flight when a shadow loomed over her. Asher stood at the top of the stairs, his arms crossed and his expression one of barely contained amusement.
"Is this the path to the dining room?" he asked dryly as he began descending towards her.
Abigail froze, surprise flashing in her eyes before she masked it with a calm demeanour. "Good. I was looking for you," she said, recovering quickly instead of feeling ashamed at being caught red-handed.
Asher raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Looking for me? Did you try checking the living room first?" he asked, brushing past her and continuing down the stairs.
Abigail scrambled after him, her tone taking on a faux-innocent quality. "I didn’t see you there, so I decided to come up and find you myself."
Asher was too smart to fall for her lies. Of course, there was no way he would believe a word coming out of that mouth of hers no matter how much she tried to convince him.
He shot her a sideways glance, his lips quirking slightly. "You’ve found me now. How can I help you?"
"I just wanted to know how I ended up at your place," she said, her voice tinged with curiosity even though it was clearly an afterthought.
Asher smirked knowingly. "Of course, you don’t remember. You blacked out after overindulging," he said, sarcasm lacing his tone as he led her into a small but cozy dining area.
---
Abigail took a seat uninvited, her eyes sweeping over the array of dishes spread before her. She picked up a piece of toast and nibbled on it thoughtfully. "I blacked out? From drinking? That’s never happened to me before."
Asher gave her a pointed look as he slid a plate of scrambled eggs toward her. "Well, unless you think I knocked you out, that’s what happened."
She frowned, her curiosity intensifying. "Just tell me what happened after I passed out," she urged.
Asher set down his coffee mug and leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Fine. Let me refresh your memory."
---
Flashback Starts.
"Enough already," Asher had grumbled, snatching the cocktail glass from Abigail’s hand and downing its content.
Abigail blinked at him, her cheeks flushed and her eyes glassy. "I want to go home. Where’s Aura? I’ll leave with her," she slurred.
"She left about seven minutes ago," Asher informed her, watching her sway slightly in her seat. "You’ve been too busy drinking to notice."
Abigail pouted. "Then take me to her place. I can’t go home looking like this—my mother will think I’m heartbroken."
"Not in this state," Asher replied firmly. "Have you forgotten that she’s married? Well, if you don’t mind, you can crash at my place tonight. There are a few empty rooms, you can pick one."
Her expression turned comically suspicious. "Why would I sleep at your place? What’s stopping me from sleeping under the bridge?"
Asher smirked. "You don’t expect me to leave you under the bridge, do you? But so you know, my place is more comfortable."
After helping her out of his car and into the guestroom, things took a turn. Abigail sat on the edge of the couch before suddenly leaning forward and retching.
Asher jumped back, barely avoiding the mess as she threw up all over her dress. "Wonderful," he muttered, surveying the damage.
---
Flashback Ends
Abigail’s eyes widened in horror as she clasped her hands over her mouth. "I really threw up? On myself?"
Asher arched an eyebrow, his fork pausing mid-air. "Would you like a recording for proof next time?"
"There won’t be a next time," she declared firmly, returning her focus to her plate.
He chuckled softly. "You can never be too sure."
A few moments later, Abigail muttered under her breath, "I didn’t know you could be this kind, letting me stay over at your place."
Asher’s lips twitched in amusement. "Does this at least change the perception of me in your head?"
Abigail shook her head with a smirk. "Not at all. It’s nearly not enough," she said, meeting his gaze. "You will have to work harder when next you find another opportunity."
Asher almost rolled his eyes as he stared at her while munching some food in his mouth.
---
After breakfast, Asher escorted Abigail to his car. As he opened the passenger door, he turned to her with a mischievous grin.
"I’m still surprised you thought I’d want to see you naked. What’s there to see?"
Abigail’s eyes flared with mock offence. Folding her arms, she leaned in. "You must be blind if you think there’s nothing worth seeing. But why should I care? You already look like a criminal, so I wouldn’t put anything past you."
Asher burst into laughter, shaking his head as he gestured for her to get in. "Remind me never to look for trouble with you again."
Abigail slid into the seat, a sly smile curving her lips. "That’s the smartest thing you’ve said all day."
Chapter 113: Uncovering Xander’s Second Secret Identity
The warm air of the hand dryer hummed softly as Xander stood behind Aurora, his fingers weaving through her damp hair, gently massaging her scalp. Aurora sat before the mirror, wrapped in a plush white towel, a serene smile lighting up her face.
"I like this," she murmured, her voice light with contentment.
Xander’s lips curved into a soft smile. "I’m glad you do," he replied, his gaze meeting hers through the mirror. For a few moments, there was only silence between them, the kind that felt comforting and familiar.
As Aurora’s hair began to dry, Xander’s fingers ran across a spot on her scalp that felt different. His brow furrowed slightly as he focused on the area, parting her hair to get a closer look.
"What’s wrong?" Aurora asked, sensing his hesitation.
"You have a scar here," he said, rubbing the spot gently with his thumb.
Aurora’s eyes snapped open, confusion etching across her face. "A scar? Where?"
Xander leaned in, guiding her fingers to the thin, smooth line. "Right here. Did you hurt yourself and forget about it?"
Aurora shook her head, her brows knitting together. "I don’t recall any injury. Are you sure it’s not a mole or something?"
Xander’s expression darkened slightly as he studied the scar again. "No, sweetheart. It’s definitely a scar. And it’s strange that you don’t even know about it."
Her face tightened in thought. "No one’s ever mentioned anything like that to me before," she said.
Xander’s gaze clouded for a moment as a realization dawned on him. His jaw tensed, but he quickly masked his expression with a light smile when Aurora glanced at him through the mirror.
"Let’s not worry about it for now," he said, picking up the dryer again and continuing to work on her hair. "I’ll show it to you later, once we’re done."
Aurora nodded, trusting his words, and allowed the conversation to drop.
---
After finishing her hair, Xander led Aurora out of their room, his hand firmly holding hers.
"Where are we going?" she asked, eyeing his purposeful stride.
"To get that scar checked out," Xander replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Her steps faltered slightly. "Get my scar checked out? What do you mean by that?"
Xander didn’t answer right away, guiding her into his study instead. Aurora’s confusion deepened as he walked straight to the bookshelf, pulling a discreet sculpture that activated a hidden mechanism. A section of the wall slid open, revealing the dark passageway.
Aurora’s eyes widened, her heart racing with both curiosity and unease. "Xander," she called, her voice tinged with caution. "What’s going on?"
Taking her hand again, Xander turned to her with a reassuring smile. "You will see soon enough. Trust me."
Though apprehensive, Aurora followed him into the passage, her footsteps echoing in the dimly lit hallway. Memories of the first time she had stumbled upon this secret path surfaced in her mind. That day had ended in disaster, and the unease lingered.
"Xander, why are we going to the basement for this?" she pressed.
Chuckling softly, Xander glanced over his shoulder. "Sweetheart, we are not going to the basement. I told you—I want to check out your scar because I’m curious. You’re important to me, and I need to make sure you’re okay."
Despite his light tone, Aurora caught a flicker of tension in his gaze. But she chose to believe him, at least for now.
As they approached a heavy, fortified metal door at their right, in the hallway; the door that Aurora had tried to breath through the last time she was there, five deafening gunshots suddenly rang out in quick succession.
Aurora yelped, instinctively grabbing onto Xander’s arm and ducking behind him. Her body trembled as she pressed her forehead against his back, her breath coming in sharp gasps.
"It’s okay," Xander said softly, his tone calm and unwavering. He was clearly unfazed by the sounds and what brought about them.
Aurora waited for a few moments and when she didn’t hear the gunshots again, she stepped out from behind his back. "Xander! What was that?" she called out in warning as she met his gaze, her eyes narrowing down at him.
Knowing why she reacted like that, he quickly took her hands in his. "No one is getting killed, I promise. My recruits are in training," he explained.
Her gaze narrowed with suspicion. "Training? At this hour?"
"Trust me," he pleaded. "We can check them out later if you want, but first, let’s get you checked out."
Aurora’s expression remained sceptical, but she relented with a nod. "Fine."
Xander smiled faintly, relieved by her agreement. He turned back to the door, placing his thumb on the scanner embedded in the handle. A soft, automated voice instructed him to proceed with a retinal scan, and moments later, the door unlocked with a low hiss, revealing a well-lit corridor beyond.
---
The air in the well-lit corridor was cool and sterile, faintly humming with the quiet sounds of ventilation systems. Aurora’s steps were slow and hesitant as Xander led her deeper into the passage. The stark white walls gleamed under the bright LED lights, making the space feel both futuristic and clinical.
Her fingers tightened slightly around Xander’s hand, her nerves visible in the subtle furrow of her brows. "What is this place?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease as she watched him place his hand on another fingerprint scanner embedded into the door at the end of the corridor.
Xander glanced at her over his shoulder, his expression calm, though his eyes held a flicker of seriousness. "You’ll see in just a moment."
A soft beep echoed, and the door slid open with a quiet hiss, revealing a space that could only be described as something out of a high-tech hospital. Pristine white walls surrounded them, lined with sleek glass panels revealing glimpses of advanced medical equipment. Counters were stocked with vials, instruments, and monitors blinking with green and blue lights.
Aurora’s eyes widened as she took in the scene. "What is this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"It’s my private science research laboratory," Xander replied, his tone matter-of-fact as he guided her to the first door on their left.
Aurora stopped in her tracks, pulling him slightly back. "You have your own private lab?"
"Yes," he confirmed, turning to face her. "I’m a certified surgeon, Sweetheart. I’ve spent years conducting research and performing surgeries when needed. Some of this work is tied directly to the government missions. It’s something I’ve kept private until now."
Aurora’s mouth fell open as she stared at him, her disbelief evident. "Y-You’re a doctor? A surgeon?" Just then, she recalled Liam telling her back then that Xander had a quest for knowledge, and wondered if this was what he meant by that.
Chapter 114: The Truth About the Scar
Xander nodded in response, masking his nervousness as he wasn’t sure of the thoughts rampaging through her mind. She could be very mad at him for deliberately hiding this important aspect of his life from her and not necessarily surprised or impressed at the revelation.
Meanwhile, Aurora’s mind raced, trying to reconcile the man she knew as her husband. Xander was a businessman, a secret government agent and now, a certified surgeon with a private research laboratory hidden in his basement.
Who knows what else he is hiding from her?
Before Aurora could fully process the shocking revelation, a woman appeared in front of them, dressed in a spotless white lab coat, her face partially obscured by a surgical mask. In her gloved hands, she held a clipboard, and her sharp, professional gaze landed on Xander before dipping slightly in a polite bow.
"Dr. Lex," she greeted, her voice professional and steady. "The station is prepped. Please, follow me."
---
The hum of sterilization machinery filled the air as Aurora and Xander stepped into the room, following the nurse’s instructions to wash their hands. Aurora’s heart thudded in her chest, her nerves frayed by the seriousness of it all. The antiseptic scent of the room was sharp, a reminder that this wasn’t just an ordinary visit
"Right this way," the nurse said, her voice muffled by the surgical mask. She motioned toward another door, and Aurora stepped through hesitantly, her heart fluttering with uncertainty.
Inside the MRI room, three individuals in white overalls stood ready, their faces concealed by masks. They each gave a slight bow toward Xander.
"Dr. Lex," they greeted in unison, their voices respectful and subdued.
Xander nodded, then gestured toward Aurora. "Doctors, meet my wife. She’s here for a thorough examination. There’s a scar on her scalp. I want it thoroughly examined, along with a scan of her brain."
Aurora, feeling slightly out of place, offered them a polite nod before leaning closer to Xander. Her voice was a whisper, laced with a mix of unease and curiosity. "Isn’t this a bit excessive for one tiny scar?"
"Nothing is too much when it comes to your health," Xander replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate.
The doctors moved swiftly, guiding Aurora to remove any metal objects. She unclasped her gold earrings and handed them to Xander, who pocketed them carefully. One of the doctors handed her a pair of ear muffs, explaining their purpose.
"This will help reduce the discomfort caused by the loud thumping sound during the scan," he said. Aurora nodded and slipped them on.
A moment later, she lay inside the large white tube of the MRI machine, her nerves heightened as she stared up at the curved interior. The hum of the machine filled the room as the scan began.
Xander positioned himself beside one of the monitors, his eyes glued to the screen as the imaging process unfolded. He leaned slightly toward the doctor seated next to him, his body tense with anticipation.
"There’s something in her brain," the doctor announced, pointing to a faint but distinct shape on the screen.
Xander’s jaw tightened as his suspicions solidified. Shutting his eyes briefly, he opened them with renewed determination. "What is it?" he asked, his voice sharp yet controlled.
The doctor’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, adjusting the imaging for clarity. "It’s a chip," he said after a brief pause.
Xander’s fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing. "What kind of chip?" he demanded, his voice dropping an octave.
"For now, it’s impossible to determine its purpose without removing it," the doctor explained. He continued, "Chips like this can serve multiple functions—tracking, behaviour modification, or even memory suppression."
Xander’s eyes darkened as the final possibility was uttered. His mind immediately connected the dots. Memory suppression. This was how Aurora’s memories were wiped when she was younger
"Could this chip be causing her migraines?" Xander asked, his voice laced with urgency.
The doctor nodded. "It’s very likely, especially if the chip has shifted position or is malfunctioning. However, we will need further tests to confirm the exact cause of her symptoms."
"How long will the results take?" Xander’s tone was clipped and impatient as he tried to hold back his emotions. He wondered how Aurora would react if she were to discover this painful truth.
He was sure that she wouldn’t take the news lightly, which is expected.
"Forty-eight hours," the doctor replied.
"You have forty-eight hours then. Not a second more," Xander instructed firmly.
As Xander stood from his chair, trying to mask the fury brewing within him, the doctor added cautiously, "If the chip proves to be problematic, she might need surgery to have it removed."
Xander nodded stiffly, then turned toward Aurora as the scan concluded. Even if the chip wasn’t problematic, there was no way he would allow a foreign object to remain inside her head. But on the other hand, he still couldn’t get over the cruelty of the entire situation.
---
Back in Xander’s study, the hidden door sealed behind them with a quiet hiss. Aurora held tightly to his hand, her mind racing with questions as she watched the storm brewing in his eyes.
"Xander," she called softly, her voice trembling. "What did the doctors say? Is something wrong?"
He sighed deeply, his grip on her hand tightening. Leading her to the seating area, he guided her to sit beside him, his expression grave.
"I was right," Xander began, his voice quiet but heavy. "This isn’t an ordinary scar. It was made by a medical scalpel."
Aurora’s heart skipped a beat. "And what did you find out?" she pressed, her voice a mere whisper.
Xander hesitated for a moment, his gaze steady as he delivered the news. "There’s a chip in your head."
Aurora gasped, her body going rigid. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, but Xander held firm, his eyes pleading with hers.
"A chip?" she repeated, her voice shaking. "In my head? How? Why?"
Xander’s jaw tensed. "It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but I believe this chip was used to wipe your memories when you were younger. Recently, it seems to be malfunctioning, which could explain the migraines—and why fragments of your memories are returning."
Aurora’s eyes filled with tears, the weight of his words crashing down on her as realization hit her. "How could they?" she choked out, her voice breaking. "How could my parents be so cruel? How could they do this to a child?"
Tears spilt down her cheeks as Xander pulled her into his arms, cradling her trembling form. "I promise you," he whispered fiercely, his voice thick with emotion, "We will get to the bottom of this. We will find out why they had to go to such lengths, and we will make things right."
Aurora clung to him, her sobs muffled against his chest. Her world felt shattered. Today’s revelation was too much for her to bear. It totally changed how she saw her birth mother and Adam.
She wished one of them were still alive to at least answer her questions unfortunately, they were both gone, never to return on this earth.
Chapter 115: Vintage Cellar’s New COO
Monday morning arrived with a lingering haze of tension for Aurora as she stepped into the office.
The events of the previous day still weighed heavily on her, her mind occupied with the shocking revelation about the chip in her head. But today was pivotal—a moment that could redefine her career.
Placing her bag gently on her desk, Aurora grabbed her phone and walked out, making her way to the elevator. The ride to the conference room was silent, her thoughts a swirling mix of anticipation and resolve.
When she entered, the room was already buzzing. Board members and department heads occupied their seats, their voices a low murmur of conversation. At the right-hand side of the table, Olivia sat poised with a smirk playing on her lips.
Her gaze locked onto Aurora’s as if challenging her. Aurora, however, refused to give her the satisfaction, averting her eyes and taking her seat at the left-hand side of the head table.
Moments later, the door opened, and Stephanie entered with the commanding grace of a leader. The room fell silent as everyone rose to their feet, greeting her with respectful bows and murmured salutations.
Stephanie gestured for everyone to sit as she took her place at the head of the table. Her eyes scanned the room with a practised authority before she spoke, her voice calm but firm.
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you’re all well. As you know, today’s agenda is to announce the new Chief Operating Officer of Vintage Cellar, based on the task set by my late brother, who was the founder and former chairman of this company, Adam Swift."
The mention of their father brought a flicker of emotion to Aurora’s eyes, but she quickly composed herself. Stephanie’s gaze lingered on her and Olivia briefly before continuing. "Let’s start."
A man in a neatly pressed suit rose from his seat. The leader of the monitoring team assigned to oversee the task, carried an air of confidence as he moved to the projector. With practised ease, he brought up the first chart, illuminating the screen with detailed statistics.
"This," he began, pointing to the numbers on the screen, "is the performance data for both Fruit Punch Champagne, created by Director Aurora Swift, and Spraying Champagne, developed by Director Olivia Swift. Over the past weeks, we’ve been tracking sales figures, consumer feedback, and market stability for both products."
Aurora sat calmly, her hands folded on the table as the presentation unfolded. Olivia, however, fidgeted, her eyes darting nervously between the screen and the man speaking.
"As you can see," the presenter continued, "Director Aurora Swift’s Fruit Punch Champagne has outperformed Spraying Champagne by a significant margin. The data here speaks for itself."
The room erupted in applause, the board and department heads nodding in approval. Aurora’s lips curved into a serene smile, her confidence unwavering.
Olivia, on the other hand, froze, her mouth falling open in disbelief. She had thought herself the victor, confident in the false data she had relied upon. Now, her world crumbled as the truth stared her in the face.
"This can’t be right!" Olivia blurted, rising from her seat. "The numbers don’t add up. I’ve seen the data—Spraying Champagne was leading in sales!"
The presenter adjusted his glasses, his tone unyielding. "Director Swift, the data on the screen is the actual, unaltered performance report. If you wish, we can provide a detailed breakdown to verify its authenticity."
Olivia’s fists clenched at her sides, her glare fixed on Aurora, who sat composed and unmoved by her outburst. Furious and humiliated, Olivia turned to storm out of the room, but Stephanie’s voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"Director Swift," Stephanie said sharply, her tone leaving no room for defiance, "If you walk out of this room in my presence and that of the board, your directorial position will be revoked as a disciplinary measure. And you will start from the ground up as an ordinary employee."
The threat stopped Olivia in her tracks. Biting her lower lip to suppress the tears brimming in her eyes, she reluctantly returned to her seat, enduring the quiet triumph that now filled the room.
---
The appointment letter for the new COO was typed, printed, and brought into the room. One by one, the directors approached Aurora, offering her their congratulations and shaking her hand.
The letter, encased in a royal blue jacket folder, was handed to Aurora. She opened it with steady hands, her name bold and clear on the official document. With a confident smile, she signed her name.
Stephanie followed, signing her name with a flourish before turning to Aurora. "Congratulations on your new position, Aurora," she said warmly, shaking her hand. "This is well deserved."
"Thank you, Aunty," Aurora replied, her voice steady but tinged with gratitude. Cameras flashed as photographs were taken of the moment, first of Aurora and Stephanie, then joined by the directors and department heads. Olivia sat rooted to her seat, seething silently, her fists clenched under the table.
’This can’t be,’ she kept saying to herself.
Stephanie handed Aurora a certificate commemorating the success of her Fruit Punch Champagne. "Well done," she said, smiling proudly. "Keep up the excellent work."
Aurora accepted it graciously. Then, with a sharp glance at Olivia, Stephanie called her up. Reluctantly, Olivia approached, taking the certificate with a tight-lipped smile. The applause that followed felt hollow to her, and she quickly returned to her seat, her head bowed to hide her humiliation.
---
Back in her office, Aurora was greeted by her team with cheers and applause. She smiled brightly, thanking them for their support. "To celebrate, I will reserve a private room at a five-star restaurant. It’s my way of showing appreciation for all your hard work."
Her team erupted in excitement, their spirits lifted by her generosity. "Thank you, Director Swift!"
Once alone in her office, Aurora picked up her phone and dialled Xander. The line barely rang before he answered.
"Darling, I’m now officially the COO of Vintage Cellar!" she announced, her voice brimming with pride.
"Congratulations, Sweetheart!" Xander said, his tone warm and proud, while still reeling from the endearing name she just called him. "I knew you’d achieve this."
---
Meanwhile, in her own office, Olivia slammed the door shut, her frustration spilling over. She grabbed the certificate she had received and tore it into pieces before tossing it into the waste bin. Her anger boiling over, she swiped everything off her desk with a scream, her tears flowing freely.
"Damn you, Aurora!" she hissed, her voice shaking. "This isn’t over yet!"