Ch. 166..170: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 166-170
Chapter 166: A Fatal Blow
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Aurora’s private study as Nene entered with a neatly wrapped copy of Vogue magazine. Her steps were light, a proud smile gracing her face as she handed the glossy publication to her boss.
Aurora’s gaze landed on the front cover, and the instant she saw her face staring back, her lips stretched into a radiant smile. "This turned out beautifully," she said, running her fingers over the embossed lettering of her name and title beneath the elegant photograph.
Nene leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with shared excitement. "You look stunning, Mrs. Scott. This cover is iconic."
Aurora beamed, flipping through the pages until she found her feature. Every photograph, every carefully written word, spoke volumes of her journey, and she couldn’t help the sense of pride swelling in her chest. "Nene, make sure we send a copy to Abigail. She will love this."
"Already done," Nene replied with a wink, leaving Aurora to bask in the glow of her latest achievement.
---
The Swift Family Residence
Stella sat in the morning sunlit sit-out, a steaming cup of tea resting on the side table. Her usual air of authority softened in the tranquil moment, though it would not last. A servant approached, balancing three neatly stacked magazines.
"The monthly issues have arrived, ma’am," the servant announced, placing the magazines beside her.
Stella nodded, picking up her teacup to take a sip before casually reaching for the topmost magazine. However, as she lifted it, the Vogue issue underneath caught her eye. Aurora’s face, radiant and confident, graced the cover.
Her hand froze mid-motion, and her gaze locked onto the cover. "Aurora?" she murmured. The shock caused her to sputter, spilling tea onto her lap. "Impossible!"
The servant rushed to assist, but Stella waved her off impatiently. She grabbed the magazine, her fingers trembling as she stared at the bold lettering: Aurora Swift, Director & COO of Vintage Cellar.
"How... how did this happen?" Stella whispered hoarsely, flipping through the pages until she found Aurora’s exclusive interview. The photographs stopped her cold—Aurora in elegant designer dresses, poised with the confidence Stella had never associated with her.
The servant hovered uncertainly nearby, unsure whether to help or retreat as Stella began mumbling to herself, "When did this happen? How could she rise so high without my knowledge?"
Stella believed that she had a tight watch on Aurora, especially since Adam died. Every day, reports of Aurora’s car leaving and driving into the apartment complex she rented were given to her, so obviously, she had her doubts.
Her eyes fell on one particular question in the interview. "Are you considering settling down in the near future?" Aurora’s response struck like a thunderbolt: "Actually, I’m already married."
Stella shot upright in her seat, her pulse pounding in her ears. "Married? Aurora? When?" Her voice rose in pitch, her face pale with disbelief. Unable to bear the suspense on Aurora’s husband’s identity as a dark cloud circled around her mind, hinting at a bad premonition, her gaze dropped to the next line.
Without wasting a moment, she devoured them, reading about Aurora’s wedding in Venice, Italy, and then... the name.
’Alexandar Scott.’
"Xander Scott?!" Stella exclaimed, her voice cracking as she slammed the magazine down. She turned to the servant. "Look at this name! Is this correct?"
The servant, startled, leaned over to confirm. "Yes, ma’am. That’s what it says."
Stella’s breaths came in shallow gasps as her hand flew to her chest. The room spun around her. "No... no, this can’t be. Aurora married into the Scott family? Xander? The same Xander?"
Before the servant could react, Stella stumbled back into her chair, clutching her chest. "Ah!’ she screamed in pain and slowly sat back down, totally forgetting about everything relating to Aurora which she had just read.
"Ma’am, are you okay?" The servant quickly rushed to her side, trying to help her. "W-what happened? Does your chest hurt?"
A sharp pain shot through Stella, and she cried out, "Call the doctor! Take me to the hospital!"
The servant sprang into action, shouting for help as Stella collapsed into the chair, her face contorted in pain.
---
The Emergency Room
The hospital buzzed with urgency as Stella was rushed in on a stretcher, unconscious and pale. Nurses moved swiftly, hooking her up to monitors and administering oxygen. A doctor emerged moments later to speak to the servant who had accompanied her.
"She’s suffered a mild heart attack," the doctor explained. "She’s stable now, but keep her away from stress and follow a strict diet regimen. We will prescribe medication to help her recovery."
The servant nodded, relief washing over her face as she stepped aside to make a call to the Swift residence, informing them of Stella’s condition.
"The doctor said Mrs. Scott can be discharged tomorrow morning if she has made a full recovery. I will keep you updated on her condition."
---
Back at the Swift Family Residence
Stephanie had just returned from a morning meeting when the butler greeted her at the door. "Ma’am, Mrs. Swift suffered a heart attack this morning and was taken to the hospital."
Stephanie’s brows knitted together in surprise. "A heart attack? What caused it?"
"I believe she was reading some magazines when it happened," the butler replied, handing her the stack Stella had been looking through.
Stephanie’s eyes narrowed as she took the magazines and flipped through them. Her gaze halted on the Vogue issue, the image of Aurora staring back at her. With a knowing smirk, she separated the issue from the pile and settled into a chair to read.
It didn’t take her long to discover the reason for Stella’s distress. As she read Aurora’s revelations—her marriage to Xander Scott, her rise to power—Stephanie burst into laughter. "Oh, Stella, I see why you couldn’t handle this."
Her amusement lingered as she placed the magazine back on the table, shaking her head at the unfolding drama. "Aurora has shocked you to the core this time around. Let’s see what happens after you recover."
Chapter 167: Shocked to the Bones
Scott Family’s Main Residence.
At the same time, the morning was eerily quiet over here. Olivia sat alone in her bedroom, her nerves on edge after the chaotic events of the past days.
She picked up the remote from the glass centre table and turned on the TV, scrolling through the channels absentmindedly. Her mind was already swirling with fragmented thoughts when a news headline caught her attention.
Her thumb hovered over the remote, ready to switch channels, but she froze when the anchor mentioned Princess Victoria and the State Dinner.
"I almost forgot she was arriving this week," Olivia muttered under her breath, lowering the remote as the TV screen changed to show a recap of the previous night’s event.
The newscaster’s polished voice narrated over clips of dignitaries, prominent families, state leaders, and renowned businessmen attending the exclusive state banquet.
"The event, attended by an exclusive list of influential figures, was broadcast by only three national media outlets," the anchor explained. "This marked a rare public appearance of many notable figures, including Mr. Alexandar Scott, who surprised everyone by arriving with his wife."
Olivia’s hand faltered, and the remote slipped onto the couch. "His wife?" she whispered, her heart skipping a beat as she became impeccably interested in seeing Mrs. Scott.
The screen transitioned to a wide shot of the venue, followed by close-ups of various high-profile guests. Olivia’s breath hitched when the camera panned to Xander Scott, impeccably dressed as always. But her eyes locked on the woman standing beside him, her arm delicately tucked through his. Aurora.
"No... it can’t be." Olivia leaned forward, her pulse pounding as the camera zoomed in, confirming her worst suspicions. It was Aurora—radiant, composed, and undeniably standing as Mrs. Alexandar Scott.
The anchor continued, oblivious to Olivia’s spiralling thoughts. "This appearance marks a milestone for Mr. Scott, who has long kept his personal life away from public scrutiny. Guests were shocked to discover that his wife is none other than Aurora Swift, Director and COO of Vintage Cellar."
The words reverberated in Olivia’s ears like a death knell. She blinked rapidly, hoping that somehow she was mistaken. "Wasn’t she just his mistress?" she stammered. "T-This has to be some kind of mistake."
Her trembling hands fumbled for her phone. She opened Instagram, navigating to her most recent post about visiting Mrs. Scott to see what people were saying. The comment section was a minefield of chaos, flooded with messages from fans, friends, and strangers alike.
---
@FineLiving: "Wait, Aurora is Mrs. Scott? Why didn’t you tell us your sister married Xander Scott?!"
@MillionaireWife: "O.M.G. Aurora used to date Owen, and now she’s married to his uncle? Drama much?"
@VerifQueen: "Why hide this from us, Olivia? We need details ASAP!"
---
Olivia’s face paled as she scrolled through the relentless stream of questions. Her breaths came faster, each comment stabbing her pride. She clenched her jaw and quickly dialled Nene’s number, her fingers trembling as she held the phone to her ear.
When Nene picked up, her calm voice only aggravated Olivia further. "Good morning, Mrs. Owen. How can I help you?"
Olivia’s tone was sharp, stumbling on hysteria. "Is your mistress’s name Aurora Swift?"
Nene paused briefly before replying, her voice as composed as ever. "Yes, ma’am. Mrs. Scott is Aurora Swift."
Olivia’s chest constricted, the confirmation hitting her like a sledgehammer. "T-Then who was the woman I met at the masquerade ball and Xander Scott’s private residence the other day?" she demanded, her voice rising.
"The same person," Nene replied without hesitation.
Olivia felt her knees weaken as a chill ran down her spine as the terrifying reality hit her. She clutched the phone tightly, her voice quivering. "Was my sister wearing some sort of mask on those occasions?"
Nene, skilled at sidestepping direct questions, responded with a neutral tone. "Mrs. Owen, would you like me to pass along a message to Mrs. Scott?"
Her question only fanned the flames of Olivia’s rage. "Yes! Tell her she will rot in hell for deceiving me when I get my hands on her!" Olivia screamed before ending the call and slamming the phone onto the couch.
---
Olivia stood abruptly, pacing the room like a caged animal. Her mind replayed every encounter she had with Aurora—the masquerade ball, the visit to Xander’s residence, every conversation. The realization that she had been unwittingly confiding in her estranged sister shattered what little composure she had left.
"I told her everything," Olivia muttered, her voice breaking. "I even tried to set her up against herself. Then I told her about Major Walker. She knows!"
A wave of dread crashed over her. "Mum will kill me if she finds out!" she whispered, her hands flying to her hair as panic gripped her. "I betrayed our greatest secret without even knowing it."
She sank to the floor, her nails digging into the rug as hot tears streamed down her face. "How could I have been so blind? Aurora must have been laughing at me this whole time."
Her mind reeled as she recalled the calculated way everything had been orchestrated—the blocked network at Xander’s residence, the seemingly flawless hospitality masking a web of deception. "It was all planned," Olivia realized, her voice shaking. "She played me like a fool."
---
Lying on the floor, she wept bitterly, her cries echoing in the empty room. Her hands clenched into fists as she relived her humiliation, the moments she had grovelled for favour in front of Aurora, all while the latter had silently gloated.
"How could I have let this happen?" Olivia whispered, her voice raw. "I’ve ruined everything."
Her sobs subsided into a broken silence as she stared blankly at the ceiling, her mind swirling with regret and anger. She had no idea how she would face her mother, let alone salvage the mess she had created.
In her heart, Olivia knew one thing: Aurora had not only outsmarted her but had claimed a victory that left her powerless to retaliate.
Also, she didn’t even know where to begin even if she wanted revenge.
"You win, Aurora. You win," she whispered, finally conceding in defeat.
While Olivia was nursing her emotional injuries, the most popular controversial blogger in Wing City, released an article that had the citizens leaning out of their seats.
---
"Scandals, Secrets, and Stunning Revelation."
"In today’s edition of Tea Time Gossip, we bring you the juiciest scoop that has everyone talking! The Swift and Scott families are dominating headlines again, and if you thought their tangled web of drama couldn’t get more complicated, think again. Let’s dive into the revelations that are shaking Wing City to its core.
Stella Swift’s Hospital Scare – What Really Happened?
Late last night, Mrs. Stella Swift, the matriarch of the Swift family, was rushed to the hospital’s emergency unit after reportedly suffering a heart attack. While her condition is said to be stable, the cause of her sudden health scare remains unclear.
Speculations are already running wild, and many believe it could be related to her daughter Olivia’s ongoing misfortunes.
Let’s not forget, Olivia recently suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage amidst her stormy marriage with Owen Scott. With scandal after scandal rocking the family, it’s no surprise that Mrs. Swift’s heart finally gave out under the weight of it all.
But here’s the tea that no one can ignore: Is Mrs. Swift facing karma for her past choices? After all, this is the same woman who supported her daughter in snatching Owen from her own stepsister, Aurora. Could this be heavenly retribution for enabling such a betrayal?
The timing is just too convenient to ignore.
Aurora Swift: From Mistress to Mrs. Scott?
Now onto the biggest shocker of the day—a revelation so staggering that it left our tea spilling everywhere. Remember Aurora Swift? The woman who was once the centre of rumours for being Xander Scott’s alleged mistress? Turns out, she’s not just anyone—she is his wife.
Yes, you read that correctly! The real Mrs. Scott has stepped out of the shadows in spectacular fashion. Her exclusive interview with Vogue Magazine unveiled the truth, leaving us all reeling.
At the recent state dinner, Xander Scott made a rare public appearance with Aurora by his side, officially putting the rumours to rest. The cameras couldn’t get enough of the stunning couple, and it was clear to everyone in attendance that Aurora wasn’t some fleeting affair—she was the woman who now holds the title of Mrs. Alexandar Scott.
But here’s the real question: why didn’t Xander and Aurora clarify their relationship sooner? Instead of coming clean, they simply filed lawsuits against gossip blogs that labelled her as his mistress.
Could it have been a strategic move, or were they revelling in the chaos?
Either way, the mystery has been solved, and it’s left us with more questions than answers.
A Scandalous Twist: Aurora’s Past with Owen
Now, let’s take a step back into the Swift family’s murky history. Remember when Aurora Swift used to date Owen Scott? Oh yes, the drama doesn’t stop there.
Here’s the twist that no one saw coming: Aurora, who was once romantically involved with Owen, is now married to his uncle, Xander Scott. Talk about keeping it in the family! The layers of intrigue are almost too much to handle.
Some say this twist of fate is poetic justice. After all, Olivia once stole Owen from Aurora, only to be left humiliated and heartbroken in the end. And now, Aurora stands victorious as the wife of Wing City’s most powerful man, her name gracing magazine covers and her presence dominating the social elite.
Final Thoughts
The Scott and Swift families are serving drama hotter than our morning tea, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.
Is this the end of Olivia’s reign of chaos? Will Mrs. Swift recover from her health scare, or is her past catching up with her in ways she never expected? And most importantly, how will Wing City react now that the truth about Xander and Aurora is out in the open?
One thing’s for sure: the world will be watching as these families continue their high-stakes game of power, betrayal, and redemption.
Stay tuned, Tea Time Darlings—because this tea is far from over!"
Chapter 168: The Fight is Far from Over
The Scott Family’s Main Residence.
Owen lounged on the couch in one of the guestrooms he took over, flipping through his phone when it buzzed with an incoming call. The name of his friend, Paul, flashed on the screen.
"Paul, what’s up?" Owen greeted.
"Dude, have you seen Tea Time Gossip today?" Paul’s voice sounded both amused and incredulous.
"No," Owen replied flatly, not in the mood for his friend’s usual nonsense.
"Well, you better sit down for this. Your ex, Aurora, is Mrs. Scott—your uncle, Xander’s wife. It’s all over the blog! I bet you didn’t know this otherwise, you would have informed us a long time ago."
Owen froze, his breath catching. "What are you talking about? Aurora? My Aurora?"
"Yes, your Aurora! The one you dumped over a text message, got together with her younger sister and laughed about with us. She’s married to your uncle, bro!"
Owen felt like the ground beneath him had shifted. Memories of Aurora, their past, and that masquerade ball where he had unknowingly addressed her as ’Aunt’ came flooding back. How had he not put it together?
"We will speak about this later," Owen muttered, cutting the call abruptly.
His mind spiralled into chaos. How could his uncle have married Aurora, knowing their history?
Did Xander even care about the family dynamics or the whispers this would spark? As for Aurora, he wondered if she had married his uncle just to get revenge on him.
Owen was greatly disturbed as he pictured Aurora laughing behind her mask at the masquerade ball when he respectfully addressed her as Aunt.
"Fuck!" He cursed through his teeth as he punched the couch. Aurora has definitely made him a laughingstock.
---
In the sitting room downstairs, Patricia and Richard sat on the couch, watching the morning news. The recap of the state dinner was on, showing clips of prominent guests. When the camera panned to Xander with Aurora on his arm, Patricia gasped audibly.
"That’s Aurora!" she exclaimed, gripping Richard’s arm.
Richard frowned deeply. "It seems so."
Patricia shook her head in disbelief. "But the woman our son met as Xander’s wife at the masquerade ball was different. She wasn’t Aurora otherwise he would have told us so."
"She must have worn a mask," Richard said, his tone calm but thoughtful.
"Did Xander know she was Owen’s ex-girlfriend before marrying her?" Patricia asked, her voice laced with disappointment.
Richard nodded slowly. "Xander is too meticulous not to have known. He does nothing without thorough knowledge."
Patricia let out a frustrated sigh. "Did he not think about how this would look to everyone? The complications? And he didn’t even tell the family!"
Richard leaned back in his chair. "Xander’s affairs are his own. Let’s not meddle."
Patricia could only puff out another sigh and relax her back against the couch, still reeling from the shocking reality.
---
Vintage Cellar.
At Vintage Cellar, Aurora entered the building with her usual grace, but she couldn’t ignore the way heads turned or how staff whispered among themselves. The respectful greetings felt more charged than usual.
She smiled inwardly, knowing the reason—her marriage to Xander was no longer a secret and was out in the open for everyone to see and acknowledge.
Once in her COO office, Aurora settled behind her desk. Lilian walked in moments later, carrying an agenda.
"Ma’am," Nene began, "The chairwoman hasn’t clocked in yet."
Aurora frowned, wondering if something had happened at her end as she always arrived at work on time. "Call her directly."
Lilian nodded, dialling the number with the landline and handing the phone to Aurora.
"Good morning, Aunt, is everything alright?" Aurora asked.
"I’m on my way," Stephanie replied, her voice calm. "But I thought I’d let you know—your stepmother, Stella, suffered a mild heart attack early this morning. It’s already in the gossip blogs."
Aurora blinked, surprised. "What caused it?" she asked, though she simply didn’t care if Stella died. Her death wouldn’t even move her an inch or to tears.
Stephanie chuckled lightly. "Your interview with Vogue. It seems your success sent her straight to the hospital," she revealed and went on to talk about the details.
"I see..." Aurora smiled to herself, happy to know that her success affected Stella to such great lengths. "What’s the update on Princess Victoria’s visit?"
"She will arrive at 1 PM," Stephanie confirmed.
"I’ll see you before then," Aurora said, ending the call.
---
The Scott Family’s Main Residence.
Olivia was in her bedroom, still trying to process the shock of her enemy, Aurora, being Mrs. Scott when her phone buzzed.
A new email from yet another media outlet requesting an exclusive interview about her recent nightclub scandal and her marriage with Owen. She groaned, closing the message. This wasn’t what she needed now.
Also, this wasn’t the first time a media outlet was reaching out for an exclusive interview regarding her marriage with Owen. In fact, they became persistent from the incident at the nightclub which led to her miscarriage.
Olivia’s mind swirled with different troubles and as she was trying to get over them, her phone rang again, this time displaying ’Mum’. Olivia’s chest tightened. She ignored the call. Her phone rang a few times but she refused to take the call thanks to her guilt.
A few seconds later, a text came in.
"Didn’t you say you visited Mrs. Scott? How come you didn’t know she was your sister? I was rushed to the hospital because of the shock. Didn’t you see the tabloids? Call me immediately."
Before Olivia could respond, Owen barged into the room. His face was a mask of fury.
"You knew, didn’t you?" he demanded. "You knew Aurora was my uncle’s wife all along, and you hid it from me!"
Olivia stared at him, wide-eyed. First came shock and then indifference. Even if his accusations were wrong, she didn’t even care enough to correct him. He could bark at her face all day and she wouldn’t even utter a word.
"Don’t lie to me!" Owen interrupted, his voice booming. "You’re just as deceitful as ever. I regret leaving Aurora for you. You manipulated me with your fake charms. You got your boobs and your bum done and used that to seduce me. Cheap bitch!"
Olivia’s eyes blazed with anger, but she stayed silent, her lips pressed tightly together. She felt that Owen had wronged her so much and should be on his knees begging her right now but instead, he had the guts to call her a ’cheap bitch’.
’Seems like I haven’t taught you enough life lessons. Owen, mark my words, this fight is far from over!’ Olivia promised in her heart.
"If you don’t agree to the divorce, I promise to make your life a living hell," Owen spat before storming out and slamming the door behind him.
Left alone, Olivia clenched her fists. "You will regret those words you just said to me, Owen. I will ruin you first and then gloat in your face, reminding you that I had told you so."
Determined, Olivia picked up her phone and scanned through the list of media outlets that had contacted her. She finally replied to one, expressing her interest in an interview and requesting a quick arrangement.
Although Olivia currently had two big matters to deal with, she felt that facing Owen was more important than anything besides, how could she face off against Aurora when she had Xander backing her?
It’s not like she was stupid. At least she could make small trouble here and there for Aurora instead of making a huge fuss that could even endanger herself. So, Olivia chose to channel most of her energy on Owen first.
He was the one who deserved to be taught a life lesson for ruining her life.
---
Vintage Cellar.
By early afternoon, Princess Victoria arrived at Vintage Cellar with her entourage. Aurora and Stephanie greeted her warmly at the entrance.
"Your Highness, welcome," Aurora said with a polite smile, extending her hand.
"Thank you," the Princess replied, her own smile reserved.
Stephanie led the initial tour, sharing insights about the company. Victoria maintained a pleasant demeanour, her eyes flitting between the displays and Aurora.
When they reached the winery, Stephanie passed the reins to Aurora. Taking the lead, Aurora spoke confidently about the winemaking process and highlighted an upcoming product launch.
"Your knowledge is impressive," Victoria remarked.
"We take pride in what we do," Aurora replied smoothly.
As the tour wound down, the Princess sampled various wines, her interest piqued by the quality and craftsmanship.
Before departing, Victoria requested a private moment with Aurora. "Thank you for the tour," she said, her tone friendly but probing. "I’d love to visit Xander’s residence before I leave Wing City."
Aurora’s smile didn’t falter. "I will pass on your message."
Victoria nodded, her eyes glinting with intrigue. "Of course."
As the Princess’s car drove away, Aurora and Stephanie exchanged glances.
"Interesting woman," Stephanie mused. Aurora nodded faintly, her thoughts guarded.
Chapter 169: All Against Her
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over Xander’s private residence as Aurora stepped inside, greeted by Nene’s warm smile.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Scott," Nene said, her voice light and respectful.
Aurora returned her smile. "Thank you, Nene. I will have tea and some light snacks in the flower garden. Please set it up."
"Yes, ma’am," Nene replied with a polite bow before heading off to make the arrangements.
Aurora climbed the stairs to her bedroom. After freshening up, she slipped into a comfortable dress and made her way downstairs, her steps light with the sense of calm the flower garden always brought her.
Nene was already waiting for her by the glasshouse, a tray with a teapot, delicate porcelain cups, and a plate of light pastries arranged perfectly.
As Aurora settled into a chair surrounded by fragrant blossoms, Nene poured her tea. "Ma’am, there was a call from Mrs. Owen earlier."
Aurora raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Oh? And what did she say?" She knew that Olivia would definitely reach out after finding out her identity as Mrs. Scott, especially after revealing those delicate secrets and fawning over her; including but not limited to trying to pit her against herself.
Nene’s expression turned amused as she recounted the exchange. "She was furious, ma’am. She left a rather colourful message. ’Let her know that she will rot in hell for deceiving me when I get my hands on her.’"
Aurora paused, letting the information sink in before releasing a hearty laugh that echoed through the tranquil space. She moved the teacup away from her lips as her amusement softened into a sly smile.
"Olivia hasn’t seen anything yet," Aurora said, her voice dripping with calm confidence before taking another sip of tea.
Nene waited for further instructions.
"Continue to take her calls," Aurora instructed, setting the cup down delicately. "But if she speaks rudely or starts cursing, terminate the call immediately."
"Understood, ma’am."
---
Some minutes later, Aurora’s tablet buzzed with an incoming FaceTime call. Abigail’s face lit up the screen, her excitement palpable.
"Aura!" Abigail shrilled, her grin infectious. "You’re officially Mrs. Scott to the whole world now! The Vogue issue is perfect. Everyone’s talking about it!"
Aurora chuckled, amused by her best friend’s enthusiasm. "It turned out beautifully, didn’t it?"
"Absolutely! Oh, did you hear about Stella fainting? Tea Time Gossip was all over it," Abigail added, her tone laced with mischief. "Please tell me she really passed out after finding out the truth," her giddy voice pleaded.
Abigail was always ever-ready to entertain bad news about Stella, and this moment wasn’t any different.
Aurora smirked. "That’s exactly what happened. Aunt Stephanie filled me in. Apparently, Stella saw the interview and couldn’t handle the truth. She suffered a mild heart attack and was rushed to the hospital."
Abigail burst into laughter. "Serves her right. And Olivia? I bet she’s losing her mind over this."
"She left me a message through Nene," Aurora said, her tone light. "Let’s just say she’s not taking the news well."
"Good. Let her stew in her anger," Abigail declared, her voice brimming with satisfaction. Finally, that mother and pair have gotten a taste of their own bitter medicine. "I’d like to see her try and retaliate. I bet she doesn’t have the guts."
Aurora and Abigail chatted about lighter topics, including a potential weekend shopping spree. By the time the call ended, Aurora felt a renewed sense of satisfaction over her clap-back.
---
Later at night, Aurora and Xander prepared to retire for bed. As she brushed her hair, she casually mentioned the Princess’s request.
"Victoria asked to visit your villa and I told her that I would pass on her message." she said, watching his reflection in the mirror.
Xander frowned, lying on the bed on his side while supporting his weight with one arm. "I’m not inviting her to my private residence. She’s not close enough to warrant that kind of access."
Aurora turned, meeting his gaze. "She might take offense. You used to be close." Although Aurora said that, she wasn’t even entertaining that idea of Victoria coming to her home.
"She can take offense all she wants," Xander replied evenly. "If she invites us out somewhere public, I will consider it. But my home is off-limits."
Aurora smiled and got off the stool. She walked to the bed and slipped in next to him. "Fair enough."
Xander’s eyes glowed as he pulled the duvet over them and brought her close as they drifted into peaceful slumber.
~***~
The next day brought tension at Vintage Cellar. Olivia returned to work, her steps brisk and her expression distant. She ignored greetings from colleagues and went straight to her office.
She didn’t go to find Aurora in her office to gloat as usual after everything that has transpired.
By 10 AM, the board convened in the conference room. Stephanie, as composed as ever, sat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"Let’s begin," Stephanie announced.
Discussions commenced, with reports and updates flowing smoothly until someone raised the subject of Olivia’s Spraying Champagne. A presentation followed, showcasing plummeting sales figures and dwindling market appeal.
Olivia’s face darkened, her fists clenched under the table.
"This champagne was criticized from the start," one director remarked, his tone sharp. "We warned that it was a waste of resources—champagne meant only for spraying at parties? Absurd."
Stephanie listened intently before turning her gaze to Aurora. "What’s your take, Aurora?"
Aurora glanced at Olivia briefly, her expression neutral before addressing the room. "While the concept was unique, the market data speaks for itself. Continuing to produce and promote Spraying Champagne is not sustainable. Discontinuing it would allow us to redirect resources to more profitable ventures."
Olivia glared daggers at Aurora, but she quickly masked her anger when Stephanie turned to her. "Olivia, what’s your defense?"
Olivia’s voice was steady, though her eyes burned with indignation. "The champagne utilizes unripe and spoiled grapes—resources that would otherwise go to waste. It’s cost-effective and contributes to our sustainability efforts. So tell me, how is that a waste of resources?" she asked through gritted teeth.
Another director raised his hand, countering her argument. "The cost of promotion far outweighs any savings. We’ve spent more on marketing this product than it’s brought in."
Olivia stood abruptly. "We haven’t started losing money yet. Why end it prematurely?"
"Are you waiting for the company to start losing money before we would take the right measures?" Another director spoke, obviously pissed at Olivia’s statement.
A heated exchange followed, with directors questioning Olivia’s judgment. Tension crackled in the air until Stephanie’s voice cut through.
"Enough," she said firmly. The room fell silent. "Olivia, the data doesn’t lie. However, I’m willing to give you one last chance."
Hope flickered in Olivia’s eyes as Stephanie laid out her conditions.
"Vintage Cellar will cease all promotional efforts for Spraying Champagne immediately. You have one month to revive its sales. If you can achieve a 3% increase within that time, the product stays. Otherwise, it’s discontinued."
Olivia nodded stiffly. "Understood."
Stephanie’s tone softened slightly. "Don’t celebrate just yet. The clock is ticking."
As the meeting adjourned, Olivia shot a triumphant smirk at Aurora, who remained unfazed. But as soon as Olivia remembered about the Mrs. Scott stuff, the smirk completely disappeared from her face.
---
At the same time, Stella’s return to the Swift family home was uneventful but laden with bitterness. As the car pulled up to the front steps, the butler hurried to greet her at the door with a polite bow.
"Welcome back, ma’am. I trust your journey was comfortable," he said.
Stella nodded curtly, her exhaustion apparent. She didn’t bother with pleasantries, allowing a servant to support her as she made her way up the staircase. By the time she reached her bedroom and sank onto the bed, a weary sigh escaped her lips.
---
An hour later, Stella stirred awake. The muted sunlight streaming through her curtains reminded her of how long she’d been gone. She reached for the glass of water on her bedside table and swallowed her pills. Turning to the servant stationed in her room, she asked, "Has Olivia called?"
The servant hesitated, her eyes dropping to the floor. "No, ma’am. There still hasn’t been any call from her yet."
Stella’s jaw tightened in frustration. "Give me my phone."
The servant quickly handed it over. Stella dialled Olivia’s number, her fingers trembling with anger. The phone rang, but Olivia didn’t answer. Stella tried again a few minutes later, only to be met with silence. Her patience snapped.
"Prepare the car," Stella ordered sharply. "If my daughter won’t take my calls, then I will go to her myself."
The servant nodded and hurried out. Stella then placed a call to the Scott family’s main residence. The butler picked up, greeting her with calm politeness.
"This is Stella Swift," she announced. "I’m coming over to visit my daughter."
The butler acknowledged her request and assured her that she was welcome before Stella hung up abruptly.
Chapter 170: Another Secret Alliance
As Stella made her way to the car, Stephanie returned home from work, her usual composed expression replaced by one of curiosity upon seeing Stella at the door.
"Congratulations on being discharged from the hospital," Stephanie offered with a faint smile.
Stella scoffed. "I’m sure you wished I wouldn’t recover. Stop dreaming, Stephanie. I won’t die so easily. Vintage Cellar belongs to my daughter, and I won’t rest until I pass it on to her."
Stephanie chuckled softly, folding her arms below her chest. "Then I suggest you take better care of your heart, Stella. If you thought the Vogue article was shocking, imagine what’s to come."
Stella rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her irritation as the car pulled away.
---
The Scott Family’s Main Residence.
At the Scott family’s residence, the butler welcomed Stella warmly and led her to the living room. She settled into a plush armchair, her eyes scanning the space. Noticing Patricia and Richard’s absence, she asked, "Where are they? Why didn’t they come to greet me?"
The butler’s response was measured. "They are currently occupied, ma’am. I will inform Ms. Olivia of your arrival."
Stella frowned but said nothing as the butler left. A few minutes later, Olivia descended the staircase, her expression indifferent as she entered the living room.
"Hello, Mother," Olivia said casually, sinking into the couch opposite Stella without so much as a hint of concern.
Stella’s frown deepened. "That’s it? No apology, no explanation for why you didn’t visit me in the hospital?"
Olivia sighed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Mother, I’ve been dealing with a lot. My life is in shambles, and I’m trying to sort things out. Do you have any idea how stressful it is at work? My Spraying Champagne is on the chopping block, and I’ve been given a month to save it or watch it be discontinued."
Stella’s eyes narrowed. "And that’s your excuse for ignoring your mother? I nearly died, Olivia. A heart attack isn’t a common cold."
"You’re strong," Olivia said dismissively. "A heart attack has nothing on you."
Stella inhaled sharply, her disappointment evident. "So, you made me come all the way here just to hear this nonsense?"
Olivia offered no apology, merely shrugging as she leaned back in her seat. Stella decided to shift her focus.
"I need answers, Olivia," Stella said, her tone steely. "How did you not realize that Mrs. Scott is your stepsister, Aurora? You visited her, for heaven’s sake!"
Olivia spread her arms, her tone defensive. "It’s not my fault! She wore some kind of mask. How was I supposed to know?"
"And you didn’t notice her mannerisms? Her voice? Anything?" Stella pressed.
"Did you also notice those stuff at the masquerade ball?" Olivia shot back, her voice rising. "Because I didn’t see you figuring it out either."
Stella fell silent, feigning ignorance, but her frustration was palpable. She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Tell me the truth, Olivia. Did you reveal any of our secrets to her while trying to curry favour?"
For a fleeting moment, panic flickered across Olivia’s face before she masked it with defiance. "Do you think I’m that stupid?"
Stella’s scrutinizing gaze lingered for several seconds before she relaxed against the couch. "Fine. But answer me this: do you still intend to stay married to Owen despite everything? Or will you finally work with me on our plans?"
Olivia scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Let it go, Mother. Nothing will make me change my mind right now."
Their gazes locked in a silent standoff, each woman refusing to yield. Stella eventually relented with a sigh, shifting back in her seat.
"Visit home when you have time," Stella said, her tone softer now. "We can review your plans together."
Olivia offered a noncommittal nod, the tension between them still simmering as the conversation shifted.
---
Somewhere in the outskirts of the City...
The dimly lit room at the back of Goodnight club was shrouded in an air of secrecy, its heavy curtains shielding it from prying eyes. A faint haze of cigar smoke lingered in the air, adding to the mysterious ambiance.
Casey sat back in a plush chair, her face partially obscured by oversized dark shades that glinted faintly under the low light. Her movements were deliberate as she swirled the whiskey in her glass, the amber liquid catching the faint glow of the room’s single lamp.
The door creaked open, and Juliet stepped in hurriedly, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it momentarily, exhaling deeply.
"Sorry I’m late," she said, her voice carrying a mix of apology and tension.
Casey didn’t immediately respond. She took a slow sip of her whiskey, her demeanour calm and unbothered.
Juliet crossed the room and dropped onto the chair next to Casey, her eyes landing on the glass in Casey’s hand. Without hesitation, she reached over, grabbed it, and downed the contents in one gulp. She slammed the empty glass onto the table and wiped her lips with the back of her hand.
"Needed that," Juliet muttered. "I’m parched."
Casey raised a brow behind her shades but said nothing, pouring herself another glass. Juliet fidgeted in her seat, the agitation bubbling just beneath her composed exterior.
"Owen hasn’t taken my calls for two days," Juliet began, her tone betraying the storm of emotions swirling within her. "Not a text, not a word. Do you think he’s—"
"There’s nothing to panic about," Casey interrupted, her voice cool, almost dismissive. She leaned back, crossing her legs gracefully as she swirled the whiskey in her glass. "This isn’t unusual. Men like him thrive on control. But trust me, we will work it out. And besides, his home is on fire. He shouldn’t be indulging in alcohol and on women for a while."
Juliet wasn’t convinced. "What if he’s moved on? What if he dumps me and starts seeing someone else?"
Casey remained unfazed, taking a measured sip of her drink. Juliet’s restless energy grated against her calm exterior, but Casey’s patience didn’t waver.
She reached for her purse, her movements deliberate, and pulled out a small rectangular box. Without a word, she handed it to Juliet, who stared at it in confusion before realizing what it was—a pregnancy test kit.