Ch. 131..135: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 131-135
Chapter 131-chapter will update soon
Chapter 132: Striking A Deal with Asher
The dining room was awash with a warm glow, the gentle clinking of cutlery filling the silence as Aurora and Xander enjoyed their meal. Aurora’s cheeks still bore a faint pink hue, and her hazy eyes reflected the lingering aftermath of their passionate encounter in the bathroom.
"How do you like the new wine?" Aurora asked, her voice soft but tinged with anticipation as she tilted her head slightly, her gaze resting on Xander.
Xander set his glass down, a small smile playing on his lips as his eyes lingered on hers, remembering how she’d moaned his name minutes earlier. "Spicy, but definitely better than the first batch," he replied, the faintest glimmer of mischief in his tone.
Aurora cleared her throat, bringing him back to the present. "I noticed you seemed a bit distant with my Aunt earlier. Do you not like her?"
"I don’t dislike her particularly," Xander replied calmly, his gaze steady, "but I don’t trust her." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping an octave. "Sweetheart, I don’t trust anyone who hasn’t earned my trust."
Aurora chewed on his words, her brows knitting slightly as she asked, "Do you think I made a mistake inviting her over without getting your consent first?"
Xander forked a piece of stir-fried vegetable and took a deliberate bite before answering. "We will have to wait and see," he said simply, his words devoid of sugarcoating.
Aurora frowned slightly at his bluntness. "That’s not very reassuring. Are you mad at me?"
"No," Xander said, shaking his head as his eyes softened slightly. "But tell me—how did your Aunt find out we were married?"
Aurora leaned back in her seat with a soft sigh. "She figured it out during the mourning period after my father’s death," she explained, recounting her earlier conversation with Stephanie.
As she finished, Xander gestured subtly with his fork. "Your Aunt is sharp," he admitted, though his tone remained even, his expression unreadable.
Aurora tilted her head, narrowing her eyes as she studied him. "You already suspected she knew, didn’t you?"
"I did," he confessed. "Even though she isn’t like your stepmother, no one as observant as her would overlook how close we were during that time."
"Wow," Aurora said, sitting up straighter in amazement. "I should be scared of you right now. It’s like you’re reading everyone’s mind."
A sly grin spread across Xander’s face. "Sweetheart, I was trained for this," he teased, though the grin faded quickly. "But let me tell you this for your sake—don’t trust your Aunt more than 50%. That way, you won’t get hurt."
Aurora raised her glass, the corners of her lips curving into a small smile. "And what about you?" she asked before taking a slow sip of her wine.
"I’m your husband," Xander said firmly. "You can trust me 99%. I will never betray you or scheme against you."
Aurora arched a brow at him, playful curiosity in her gaze. "What about the other 1%?"
Xander’s eyes glinted as he leaned slightly forward. "That’s for the times my actions to protect you might make you doubt my love."
"Great," Aurora quipped with a teasing smile. "Something to keep me on edge."
"No," Xander countered with a wink. "Not if you trust me 100%."
---
As they strolled hand-in-hand out of the dining room, Aurora told Xander about her plan to invite Olivia over in two days.
"Practice your gestures and mannerisms tomorrow," Xander reminded her, his tone laced with caution. "We can’t afford a slip-up. Remember, no one is completely ignorant."
"Got it," Aurora replied casually.
"Ask Nene to arrange for a car to pick her up," Xander added as they continued walking.
Just as they reached the hallway, Xander suddenly stopped, his expression thoughtful. "Your stepmother seems to have a long-standing relationship with Major Walker. They appear closer than mere acquaintances. Do you know anything about it?"
Aurora shook her head, her brow furrowing. "No. Is it a problem?"
"Not yet," Xander said, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. "Go upstairs. I need to make a call."
---
As Xander entered his study, he shut the door and pulled his phone from his pocket. Sitting behind his desk, he scrolled to Asher’s contact and dialled.
The call connected, and Asher’s deep, groggy voice answered. "Why are you calling this late? Don’t you have a wife to keep you occupied?"
"I can’t sleep," Xander admitted, his tone grave. "There’s something definitely off about Stella Swift and Major Walker."
A sigh came through the phone. "Lex, don’t tell me you want me to secretly investigate the Major?"
"No," Xander replied, his voice firm. "He would catch on too quickly. We can’t risk that."
"So, what’s the plan?" Asher asked, the sound of rustling sheets in the background.
"Look into Stella instead," Xander said, his eyes narrowing. "Find out when she first met the Major. I don’t buy his story about her saving his son, even if it might be true. One of them is using the other."
Asher chuckled softly. "It’s definitely not the Major being used. He’s too cunning for that."
Xander leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. "You think Stella’s the pawn in his game?"
"Without a doubt," Asher replied. "She might think she’s in control, but the Major’s always three steps ahead."
After a pause, Xander said, "You’re probably right. But I still want to know what she stands to gain from scheming."
Asher groaned lightly. "Fine, I will dig into it. But only for a price."
"Name it," Xander said with a sigh.
"Dinner at your place with Abigail and me," Asher demanded, a smirk audible in his tone.
Xander frowned, suspicion darkening his expression. "What are you plotting?"
"If you don’t want to get in trouble with your wife, don’t ask," Asher quipped. "Do we have a deal or not?"
After a long pause, Xander sighed. "Deal."
"Goodnight, soldier," Asher chuckled before hanging up.
Xander stared at the phone, irritation flickering across his face. "What’s so damn funny?" he muttered, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair.
Chapter 133: Mrs. Scott’s Special Guest
TWO DAYS LATER.
The anticipation coursing through Olivia since dawn was almost unbearable. She had resisted the temptation to call as soon as she woke, forcing herself to focus on getting ready until she arrived at her office. Finally, unable to wait any longer, she picked up her phone and dialled Nene’s contact.
"Good morning," Olivia greeted, her tone calm, though her anticipation crackled beneath the surface. "You asked me to call today. Has Mrs. Scott returned?"
Nene’s polite but distant voice replied, "Good morning, Mrs. Owen. Her flight will land in an hour, and I will be heading to the airport to pick her up shortly."
Relief washed over Olivia, and she exhaled audibly. Without hesitation, she asked, not waiting for a formal invitation, "What time should I come over?"
Nene’s tone remained measured as she replied, "Please, be ready at 5 PM. We will send a car to pick you up."
Olivia’s eyebrows arched at the offer. "No need to send a car," she interjected quickly. "I will find my way there. Just send Mrs. Scott’s address to me."
But Nene was unwavering. "Mrs. Owen, we insist. You are Mrs. Scott’s guest and should be treated accordingly. Please provide your location, and a chauffeur will pick you up."
After a brief pause, Olivia relented. "Fine. Send the car to the Scott family main residence."
"Thank you. Have a nice day, Mrs. Owen," Nene said before ending the call.
---
Placing the phone down, Nene turned to Aurora, who was thumbing through a glossy lifestyle magazine. "Ma’am, the message has been passed successfully. Which car should we send to pick her up?"
Aurora replied without looking up from the magazine, "Send a Rolls Royce. Make her feel valued."
"Yes, Ma’am," Nene replied with a bow. "By the way, your outfit for the evening is ready. Would you like to see it now?"
Aurora glanced up, interest flickering in her gaze. "Sure. And let me know when Liam returns with the mask."
Nene nodded before leading Aurora to one of the downstairs rooms that had been transformed into a private fashion showroom.
---
Meanwhile, in her office, Olivia leaned back in her chair, humming softly to herself after her call with Nene. But her mood shifted as her phone rang again. Seeing her mother’s name flash on the screen, the hum died in her throat, replaced by a grimace.
She didn’t answer immediately, letting the phone ring a few more times before picking up.
"Olivia, my dear," Stella’s voice came through, sugar-coated but firm. "Come home this evening. I want you to accompany me somewhere. There are a few important people I want you to meet."
"I’m busy," Olivia replied flatly, glancing at her freshly painted nails, which she had done the previous day in preparation for her meeting with Mrs. Scott.
"You’re not," Stella countered smugly. "I checked your schedule before calling. You’re free this evening."
Olivia’s hand froze mid-motion as irritation flared. She considered telling her mother about her plans with Mrs. Scott but held back, annoyed by her controlling behaviour and her recent string of failures against Aurora.
"I have a private appointment," Olivia said, leaning back and crossing her legs behind her desk. She refused to give in to her mother this time around, and she promised to make sure her subtle message was passed across.
"Olivia," Stella’s voice dropped a notch, tinged with persuasion. "Believe me, no private appointment is more important than this. Major Walker invited me to dine with his family tonight. This is an opportunity to build connections you shouldn’t miss."
At the mention of Major Walker, Aurora’s biological father, Olivia’s curiosity piqued. She quickly uncrossed her leg and sat up. "Aurora’s father?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes," Stella confirmed with evident pride. "Be ready by 5 PM and meet me at home. We will go to the Major’s private residence together."
Olivia found herself at a crossroads. Both dinners were crucial in different ways: solidifying ties with Aurora’s father could elevate her standing, but building rapport with Mrs. Scott without her mother’s influence was equally significant.
As the clock ticked, she was left with a difficult decision to make. But one thing was clear, she had to go to dinner with whoever’s connection she deemed more important to secure.
---
By 5 PM, Olivia was seated before her dresser, securing diamond earrings in place. Spritzing perfume onto her wrists, she stood and smoothed out her shimmering silver gown. She looked every bit the confident socialite she wanted to present tonight.
As she stood up from the stool, Owen entered the room, his jacket draped over one arm. His gaze swept over her attire. "You’re going out?"
"Obviously," Olivia replied with a smirk. "Did you think I dressed up like this to sit and have dinner with your family?"
Owen rolled his eyes, uninterested. "Who are you meeting this time?"
She scoffed, grabbing her Chanel bag. "None of your business," she said curtly before brushing past him.
Downstairs, a servant informed her that the car was ready. Before she could respond, the housekeeper hurried inside. "Ma’am, a car from Mrs. Scott has arrived."
Curiosity piqued, Olivia stepped outside. Her eyes widened at the sleek black Rolls Royce parked in front of the house.
"She sent a Rolls Royce?" she murmured to herself, momentarily taken aback.
The passenger door opened, and a well-dressed butler stepped out, bowing respectfully. "Good evening, Mrs. Owen. I am Mrs. Scott’s butler. I’ve been sent to escort you. Please, let’s go."
Suppressing a smile of pride, Olivia turned to the waiting servant. "I won’t be needing the other car. I’ve changed my mind."
With confidence in every step, Olivia approached the Rolls Royce. The butler opened the back passenger door, and she gracefully slid inside, her head held high as if she were already royalty.
The butler returned to the front passenger seat, and as the car smoothly pulled away, Olivia’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. This evening, she vowed to do everything in her power to win Mrs. Scott over.
Chapter 134: A Carefully Thought-Out Plan
Olivia’s smile widened as the butler served her a chilled glass of champagne alongside gold-plated chocolates. She delicately picked up a piece, savouring its richness, and couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the luxurious spread against the plush interior of the Rolls Royce.
She imagined the envy her friends would feel when she shared the pictures later, hinting at her high-society evening.
Lowering her glass, she glanced at the butler. "Is Mrs. Scott home now?"
"Yes," he replied with a polite nod.
"She certainly knows how to make a guest feel valued," Olivia commented with a proud smirk.
"Thank you, Mrs. Owen," the butler replied, his tone professional and neutral. A second later, the privacy glass between the back and front seats smoothly slid up, leaving Olivia to her thoughts.
Olivia leaned back into the soft leather seat, reaching for her phone to check the map for her location so she could take note of Xander’s resident address, but frowned when the screen showed no signal. She refreshed the app repeatedly to no avail before slipping the phone back into her bag with a quiet grumble.
Unbeknownst to her, the car’s internal systems were designed to block all network signals, ensuring no one could trace or record sensitive details during the journey; a precaution carefully orchestrated by Xander.
---
About thirty-five minutes later, the Rolls Royce glided to a stop in front of Xander’s vintage villa, nestled amidst lush greenery and glowing softly under the fading sunlight.
The butler stepped out and swiftly opened the door for Olivia, who emerged gracefully, her heels clicking against the stone driveway. Her breath caught as her eyes swept over the breathtaking estate. The sprawling villa was a blend of old-world charm and modern elegance, its architecture reminiscent of a grand European mansion.
Lost in admiration, Olivia didn’t notice Nene approaching until her voice gently pulled her out of her admiration. "Mrs. Owen, welcome," Nene greeted with a polite nod, her tone courteous but measured.
"Thank you," Olivia replied, flashing a warm smile as she recovered her composure. The royal treatment continued to stroke her ego, making her feel like a true VIP.
"Shall we?" Nene led her through the villa’s stately entrance, where a housemaid offered a warm towel to cleanse her hands. The gesture, simple yet elegant, impressed Olivia further, reinforcing her sense of importance.
In the first sitting room, softly lit with understated sophistication, Nene gestured to a chair. "Please make yourself comfortable. Mrs. Scott will join you shortly."
"That’s fine," Olivia replied, settling into the chair. Reaching for her phone again, she frowned at the persistent lack of signal, but her irritation faded when Aurora entered.
Olivia stood, her gaze locking onto Aurora as she approached. Aurora moved with a natural elegance, her abstract-printed sleeveless dress draping flawlessly over her figure.
Her ginger-coloured hair fell in soft waves down her shoulders, and her understated jewellery—a pair of pearl bangles and matching earrings—added a touch of refinement. The diamond wedding ring on her finger sparkled subtly with every step.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Scott," Olivia greeted warmly, extending her hand. Her admiration for Aurora’s poised appearance was evident in her tone. "And your home is absolutely stunning. Thank you for inviting me."
Aurora accepted the handshake with a small smile, her demeanour calm and composed. "You’re welcome. Please, have a seat," she said, gesturing gracefully to the chair opposite her.
As Olivia sat, she couldn’t help but study Aurora’s features. This wasn’t her first encounter with Mrs. Scott, but her effortless charm and elegance once again left a lasting impression.
A butler entered moments later, carrying two champagne flutes on a silver tray. Olivia’s eyes sparkled with delight as the glasses were set before them.
"How was your trip, Mrs. Scott?" Olivia asked, taking a sip from her flute.
Aurora placed her glass down after a measured sip, her gaze steady. "Relaxing, I suppose," she replied, her tone neutral yet engaging.
Olivia leaned forward slightly, her smile widening. "I admire your patience for leaving your husband unattended, especially with my sister in the picture," she remarked, her words laced with curiosity and subtle mischief.
Aurora’s lips curved into a soft chuckle. "Well, slow and steady wins the race," she said, her tone light but layered with meaning.
Before Olivia could steer the conversation further, Aurora interrupted with a gentle smile. "Let’s save the chatter for later. How about we enjoy dinner first? Afterwards, I’d like to show you my in-house glass flower garden. It’s one of my favourite spots, and I think you will find it beautiful."
Olivia’s heart swelled at the invitation. The personal touch made her feel special, as though she were gaining Mrs. Scott’s trust—a victory she relished.
---
The scene at the outdoor dining area was nothing short of magical. The table was set near the shimmering pool, the soft glow of garden lights casting a relaxing ambience. A piece of soft music played in the background as maids in pristine uniforms served an array of exquisite dishes.
Olivia marvelled at the spread—Almas caviar, Wagyu beef, Abalone soup, Tacos, Sweet tapioca pudding, and a bottle of red wine from Vintage Cellar caught her attention immediately.
"It seems you’re fond of my family’s wine, Mrs. Scott," Olivia remarked, raising her glass with a sly smile.
Aurora returned the gesture with a subtle smile of her own. "My husband ensures we are never without it," she said smoothly before lifting her glass. "To good life."
"To good life," Olivia echoed, clinking her glass in the air with Aurora’s.
The atmosphere was perfect, a realization that both impressed and unnerved Olivia.
Before they began eating, Olivia sought Aurora’s permission to take pictures of the dining table.
"I hope you don’t mind if I click a few pictures of the food?" she asked with a polite smile.
"Go ahead," Aurora replied, motioning with a warm smile.
Olivia quickly pulled out her phone, snapping photos of the lavish spread. Handing her phone to a maid nearby, she added, "Take two photos of me," before striking a poised pose for the camera. Aurora watched from across the table, her lips curling into a subtle smirk.
Chapter 135: Olivia Drops The Bomb
As Olivia took another bite of the Wagyu beef, her eyes lit up. "This is exquisite," she said, her tone genuine as she savoured the delicate flavours. She had tried luxurious meals like this before, but this one felt different.
The effort Mrs. Scott had made to welcome her into her private home, paired with the thoughtful gestures, made Olivia feel valued in a way she wasn’t accustomed to.
She stole a glance at Aurora, who sat poised across from her, sipping her wine with an air of effortless grace. ’This woman knows how to treat her guests,’ Olivia thought, her heart swelling with satisfaction as she dropped her guard.
---
After the final course, Olivia dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin and smiled. "It seems Mr. Scott isn’t joining us tonight?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
Aurora placed her wineglass on the table and rose to her feet. "He will be home later. In the meantime, why don’t we take a stroll to the glass flower garden? It’s beautiful at night."
Olivia quickly stood, grabbing her bag. "That sounds lovely."
The two women walked along a lighted stone pathway. The soft glow of the lanterns illuminated the surrounding greenery, and the faint chirping of crickets added a serene backdrop to their steps. As they approached the glass house, Olivia caught a glimpse of the garden’s glowing interior.
The moment they stepped inside, Olivia gasped softly. The vibrant hues of exotic flowers bloomed in every corner, illuminated by subtle mood lighting that gave the space an ethereal charm. The air was thick with the calming scent of lavender and jasmine, immediately putting her at ease.
"This is breathtaking, Mrs. Scott," Olivia said, her voice tinged with genuine admiration as her gaze roamed the room.
"Thank you," Aurora replied with a faint smile, gesturing for her to sit on the plush couch.
A maid stepped forward to pour steaming flower tea into delicate china cups before retreating silently. Just as Olivia was beginning to relax, Nene entered carrying two large gift bags, setting them gently at Olivia’s feet.
"I picked something up for you during my trip," Aurora said casually, her lips curving into a gracious smile.
Olivia’s eyes widened in surprise, her teacup hovering in mid-air. "Really? I didn’t expect that." She carefully placed the cup on the saucer and leaned forward, her tone softening with gratitude. "Thank you, Mrs. Scott. You’re so thoughtful."
Aurora waved it off lightly. "It’s nothing. Giving gifts is my love language. It makes me happy." Her tone softened, and her smile turned wistful. "Though, sadly, I don’t have many friends to share that with."
The subtle implication wasn’t lost on Olivia. Aurora’s words hinted at friendship, and Olivia’s heart swelled with pride at the thought of earning Mrs. Scott’s trust. "You’re too kind," Olivia said earnestly. "Thank you again."
Aurora’s calm demeanour masked her calculating mind. Every word, every gesture, was part of her strategy—her carefully crafted plan to make Olivia drop her defences and reveal the important detail that has been keeping her awake most of the night.
With a warm smile, Aurora shifted the conversation. "Speaking of family, how’s your sister, Aurora? I haven’t heard much about her recently. No scandals with my husband, at least."
At the mention of Aurora, Olivia’s expression shifted, her polished demeanour cracking just slightly. "That’s because she’s in France," she said, scoffing lightly. "Apparently working on some new wine project." She rolled her eyes, her disdain unmistakable. "She’s probably planning to use your husband to promote it, like she did with her Fruit Punch Champagne."
Aurora’s gaze darkened as she clenched her fist. "I won’t let her do that," she said coldly, her voice laced with anger. "I will crush her before it happens."
Olivia smirked, pleased to see this side of Mrs. Scott. Sensing an opportunity, she leaned in slightly. "If that’s how you feel, I might have something you can use against her."
Aurora tilted her head, feigning interest. "Oh? Please, don’t hold back."
With a triumphant glint in her eye, Olivia dropped her first revelation. "Aurora isn’t really my sister."
"I’m aware she’s your half-sister," Aurora replied, pretending to be dissatisfied with the information, and that only prompted Olivia to want to reveal the truth without wasting time.
Olivia shook her head eagerly. "No, not even that. She’s not my father’s biological daughter."
Aurora arched a brow, lifting her teacup to her lips to mask her feigned disinterest. Olivia’s desperation to please her was palpable, and she knew the best was yet to come.
Leaning in closer, Olivia lowered her voice. "She only recently found out the truth, but I know who her biological father is."
Aurora froze mid-sip, her pulse quickening. Setting her cup down slowly, she met Olivia’s gaze with calculated calm. "And who would that be?"
"He is Major Walker, popularly known as the Major," Olivia said smugly, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
The name hit Aurora like a tornado as an invincible fireworks set off in her head. Her breath caught as her heart slammed against her chest. The world seemed to tilt for a moment as she struggled to process what Olivia had just revealed.
"What?" Aurora whispered, her voice barely audible.
"The famous Major Walker is Aurora’s biological father," Olivia confirmed with a chuckle. "And the best part? She has no idea."
Aurora’s hands trembled, her emotions swirling in a storm of shock and disbelief. The man her stepmother had gone to such lengths to keep her from finding was none other than the Major. Her biological father.
She clenched her fists under the table, willing herself to maintain her composure. She couldn’t let Olivia see how deeply the revelation had shaken her.
"What do you think of this information?" Olivia asked, her voice laced with pride.
Aurora forced a small smile, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest. "You’ve given me quite a lot to think about with this bomb you dropped. It’s a big revelation."
Olivia chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "I thought you’d find it useful."
Aurora nodded, though her mind was racing. She wasn’t sure whether to feel relief, anger, or despair. But one thing was clear: this revelation would change everything.
"And Mrs. Scott," Olivia said, leaning forward once more, her confidence unwavering. "Would you like to know something even more interesting?"
Aurora met Olivia’s gaze, her lips curving into a faint unreadable smile, masking her erratic emotion. "Go on," she said, wondering what other worst information she had left to deliver.