Ch. 171..175: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 171-175
Chapter 171: Her Clear Motives
"Take this," Casey said, her voice carrying a hint of authority. "Go find out if we have a trump card."
Juliet hesitated but eventually took the kit, clutching it tightly. She stood and excused herself, disappearing through another door. Casey leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable as she waited.
---
Minutes later, Juliet returned, holding the test kit with trembling hands. Her face was a mixture of shock and uncertainty. She handed it to Casey, who calmly took it and inspected the result. A smirk tugged at the corner of Casey’s lips as she read the confirmation.
"I can’t believe it," Juliet said, her voice breaking into a nervous chuckle. "I’m actually pregnant. I thought all that fatigue was just work stress."
Casey’s smirk widened into a satisfied smile. She slipped the test kit into her purse, securing it like a prized possession. "Congratulations, Juliet. This changes everything."
Juliet returned to her seat, visibly relieved yet apprehensive. "What now?"
Casey raised her glass in a silent toast. Juliet followed suit, their glasses clinking softly before they both took a sip. The moment of shared triumph was fleeting, though, as Juliet’s expression clouded with guilt.
"I didn’t mean for things to go this far," Juliet admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn’t think Olivia’s child would... would be harmed. And now, to hear she might never have children again—"
"Good," Casey cut in coldly, her tone sharp and devoid of sympathy. "She doesn’t deserve to have children. This is karma, Juliet. She’s finally paying for everything she’s done."
Juliet studied Casey, her brow furrowing in hesitation. "But you—why are you so... determined? This is more than revenge, isn’t it?"
Casey’s lips curled into a bitter smile. She reached up and slowly removed her dark shades, revealing her face fully for the first time. Juliet gasped softly as she saw the disfigurement—one eye was permanently shut, the skin around it scarred and sunken.
Casey pointed to the damaged eye, her expression darkening as venom dripped from her words.
"Do you know who did this to me?" Casey asked, her voice trembling with restrained fury. "Olivia. Her and her precious mother. After Olivia’s wedding, they sent people to beat me senseless because I almost revealed their secret to Aurora. They took my eye, Juliet."
Juliet stared at her, speechless. Casey leaned forward, her voice lowering into a dangerous whisper. "Do you know what that’s like? To wake up every day and see what they took from me in the mirror? Olivia should be grateful I haven’t demanded one of her eyes in return yet."
Juliet placed a hand over her mouth, her voice shaky. "Casey, I—"
"Save it," Casey snapped, sitting back and slipping her shades on again. "This isn’t about pity. This is about justice."
Juliet exhaled deeply, her resolve hardening as she nodded. "You will get your justice, Casey. I’ll help you see it through."
Casey’s smirk returned, her confidence unwavering. "Good. But for now, we wait. You’re carrying the Scott family’s grandchild, Juliet. That’s leverage no one can ignore. But timing is everything."
Juliet hesitated, then nodded in agreement. "I will wait. But what if they find out before we’re ready?"
Casey’s smile was chilling. "They won’t if you don’t utter a word. You’re in good hands, Juliet. Trust me."
With that, the two women clinked their glasses again, their alliance rekindled as the shadows of their schemes loomed larger over their unsuspecting targets.
~***~
Two days later, Aurora, Xander and Asher accepted Princess Victoria’s private invitation and paid a visit to her temporary residential villa.
The Rolls-Royce glided through the gates of the villa, its arrival marked by the flutter of Octavia’s national flag and a series of salutes from stationed security personnel.
The villa, adorned with pristine gardens and modern architecture, exuded the regal essence expected of a royal’s temporary residence.
As the car came to a halt, Aurora, Xander and Asher stepped out. They were greeted by an aide who bowed deeply and gestured for them to follow. "Her Royal Highness is expecting you. Please, this way."
Xander instinctively reached for Aurora’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as they were escorted into a spacious living room.
The trio settled into plush chairs, and a server poured tea into delicate porcelain cups. A platter of nuts and delicate pastries was placed before them. Asher casually reached for an almond, tossing it into his mouth as they waited.
---
Minutes stretched on until the sound of soft footsteps announced Princess Victoria’s arrival. She entered with a radiant smile, her gown flowing gracefully as she made her way toward them.
"Forgive me for keeping you waiting," she said, her tone light and apologetic. "Getting ready takes time, as I’m sure you understand."
Asher stood first, his ever-present charm on display. "Not at all, Your Highness. The wait was worth it."
Victoria smiled, extending her arms. Instead of offering a handshake as he expected, she pulled him into a warm hug. Asher’s brows shot up in surprise, but he patted her back lightly, maintaining his composure.
"We are friends. There’s no need for formality here," Victoria said as she stepped back. "This is my private residence. No one will judge."
Asher chuckled awkwardly, his hand brushing over his collar. "Of course, Your Highness."
The Princess turned to Aurora next, her demeanour shifting to one of warmth and excitement. She embraced Aurora with enthusiasm, her smile lighting up the room. "Aurora! You have no idea how much I’ve been looking forward to this. Your Fruit Punch Champagne has become my favourite indulgence. Can you believe I opened a bottle this morning?"
Aurora was momentarily taken aback by Victoria’s unguarded excitement. The Princess she encountered today was vastly different from the composed royal at the state dinner or the formal guest at Vintage Cellar. Nevertheless, Aurora matched her energy.
"That’s wonderful to hear," Aurora said, smiling. "It’s always a pleasure knowing our champagne is so well-received."
Victoria clasped Aurora’s hands, her eyes sparkling. "I also have to thank you for the winery tour. And tasting that new product before its release—what an honour! You’ve spoiled me."
"The pleasure was mine, Your Highness," Aurora replied gracefully.
Finally, Victoria turned to Xander, spreading her arms for a hug.
Chapter 172: The Princess’s Little Games
Finally, Victoria turned to Xander, spreading her arms for a hug. But before she could step closer, Xander raised a hand firmly, a polite but unmistakable barrier.
"I don’t accept hugs anymore from female friends or acquaintances," he said evenly, his expression unreadable. "I’m married."
The room fell into a brief but charged silence. Victoria’s arms lowered slowly, and for a fleeting moment, her composure faltered. But she recovered quickly, laughing softly as she patted Xander’s shoulder instead.
"Oh, Xander," she said with an awkward chuckle, "Your jokes are on another level."
Xander gave a curt nod, his gaze steady.
Asher hid his amusement behind a small cough, discreetly popping another almond into his mouth. The dynamic between the Princess and Xander was unmistakable.
He knew what the Princess tried to do by greeting them with a hug and also understood Xander’s subtle retaliation, and he was wise enough to let it unfold without interference.
Victoria gestured for everyone to take their seats again. "Thank you for coming. Since Xander refused to host me at his home, I decided to bring you all here instead."
Xander said nothing, maintaining his composed demeanour. Before the silence could stretch, Asher leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Well, Your Highness, Xander has always been... particular about his space. Let’s just say it’s part of his charm."
Victoria’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she looked at Xander. "I see he hasn’t changed at all."
Xander turned to Asher, his gaze sharp, silently signalling him to stop talking. Asher held up his hands in mock surrender and reached for his tea.
---
The air inside the villa was subtly charged as Princess Victoria leaned back on her chair, her smile poised, yet her words sharp. "Do you remember our good old days, Xander, Asher?" she began, her tone light, but deliberately excluding Aurora from the nostalgia.
Asher responded with a grin, "How could I forget? Though I must say, some memories are best left in the past."
Victoria chuckled, her gaze lingering on Xander, waiting for his response.
Xander, however, remained unbothered by her exclusion of Aurora. Instead, he reached for Aurora’s hand, intertwining their fingers effortlessly.
"The past may hold some good memories, but I prefer the present," he said, his gaze shifting to Aurora. "Especially now that I’m with the love of my life."
Aurora felt a warm flush rise to her cheeks. She gave Xander’s hand a gentle squeeze, silently thanking him for bringing her into the conversation.
Victoria’s smile stiffened momentarily before she recovered. "Speaking of now," she said, her tone playful, "why don’t we have some fun? I have a lovely outdoor spot perfect for a game of chess. Aurora, care to join me for a match?"
Aurora hesitated, her smile polite. "I’m afraid I’m not much of a chess player, Your Highness. I wouldn’t be a worthy opponent," she declined.
The Princess’s smile widened as if she had been waiting for this. "Chess is just a game! We’re here to have fun, not for a tournament. Come on, I insist."
Aurora glanced at Xander, whose calm gaze reassured her. Reluctantly, she nodded. "If you insist, Your Highness."
"Wonderful!" Victoria clapped her hands and turned to one of her aides. "Prepare the chess set in the garden."
As the aide exited, Victoria leaned back, her gaze alight with curiosity. "Now, Xander, I’ve been dying to hear how you met your wife. This feels like the perfect time to share."
Xander’s expression turned stoic, but his tone carried a sharp edge. "I think there are far more pressing matters in Octavia to occupy your thoughts than our story, don’t you agree?"
Victoria feigned a pout. "Oh, come now. I deal with matters of state every day. Surely you can indulge me just this once. Love stories are always a good escape."
Xander’s lips pressed into a thin line before he spoke. "There’s not much to tell. I fell in love with Aurora at first sight. And from there, I became... creative in convincing her to marry me."
Aurora’s eyes widened slightly at his admission, her heart swelling with affection.
"How romantic," Victoria said, though the brightness in her tone failed to mask her discontent. "It’s surprising, though. Falling in love at first sight doesn’t seem like you."
Before Xander could respond, Victoria turned to Asher, her expression lightening. "What about you, Asher? When will you leave behind bachelorhood? Or are you still playing around?"
Asher chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Your Highness, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. You’re still single yourself, aren’t you? I’ve been waiting for your wedding invitation all these years."
Victoria’s laughter was soft, but her eyes dimmed slightly as she replied, "Touché, Asher. If only things had gone as planned..."
The room fell silent as her gaze dropped, and she added softly, "I once thought I’d found my true love. But, well, the prince of my heart broke it, and I’ve been nursing the wound ever since."
Aurora frowned, the air growing heavier with Victoria’s words. Though she couldn’t decipher the Princess’s intent, her intuition told her there was more beneath the surface. On the other hand, Xander wasn’t cool with the Princess’s vague response either.
Noticing the shift in the atmosphere, Asher cleared his throat. "I’d heard rumours about you dating and breaking up with a Prince from one of Octavia’s neighbouring allies. Didn’t think it was true."
Victoria nodded, her smile returning faintly. "It’s true. But now, I will be marrying for politics, not love."
Aurora relaxed slightly at the clarification, her earlier tension fading. Xander, however, remained unreadable, his piercing gaze fixed on the Princess.
---
Minutes later, the aide returned to announce that the chess set was ready. Victoria rose gracefully, gesturing for them to follow. "Shall we?"
The group moved to the garden, where the chessboard was set on an elegant stone table shaded by flowering trees. Aurora hesitated as Victoria gestured for her to sit opposite her.
"Would you like to make the first move?" Victoria asked with a sly smile.
Aurora shook her head. "Please, you start."
Victoria’s smile deepened as she made her first move.
Chapter 173: A Win for His Wife
The game began, and it quickly became evident that Aurora was no match for the Princess. By the end of the third game, Victoria leaned back in triumph. "Three rounds, three wins!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands.
Aurora, though initially disheartened, felt better when Asher spoke up. "Don’t feel bad, Aurora. The Princess has been playing chess since she was a child. It’s practically a royal skill."
Victoria smiled smugly. "It’s true. But Aurora, you held your own quite well for someone who claimed not to play often."
Xander, unimpressed by Victoria’s boasting, stepped forward. "How about we play a few rounds?"
Victoria raised a brow, intrigued. "And if I win?"
"What do you want?" Xander asked, meeting her gaze head-on.
She smiled sweetly. "An invitation to your villa before I leave for Octavia in two days."
Aurora tensed, but Xander’s calm expression didn’t waver. "Deal."
As the game began, Aurora’s nerves settled when she received a discreet message from Asher. "Don’t worry, Xander’s unbeatable. He’s been trained for this in the armed forces."
Aurora exhaled a quiet sigh of relief, replying with a quick "thank you" before putting her phone away.
---
Within fifteen minutes, Xander triumphed, winning all three rounds. He was satisfied that he had finally taken revenge for his wife.
"This is so unfair!" Victoria exclaimed, though her tone was laced with grudging admiration. "When did you become this good? You’ve never beaten me before."
Asher chuckled, leaning back. "That’s because Xander used to let you win. He’s an expert at playing chess."
Victoria blinked, torn between surprise and indignation. "You... used to let me win?" She had been confident on wining Xander based on the chess skills she knew he had in the past, but learning just now that he used to let her win, she was unsatisfied.
Xander’s smirk was faint but unmistakable. "You seemed to enjoy it."
Victoria crossed her arms, her pout almost childlike. "Well, you should have kept letting me win like in the past."
Aurora couldn’t help but laugh softly at the exchange, her earlier unease forgotten. But the Princess wouldn’t let the sleeping dog lie.
Victoria crossed her arms below her chest, totally forgetting about her princess mannerisms as she fixed her gaze on Xander.
"I noticed that your attitude towards me has changed a lot. And why is that?"
As soon as she posed that question the atmosphere dropped. And for a good few seconds, no one said a word. But finally, Xander’s voice cut through the awkward air like a blade as he finally answered her question.
"You are a Royal Princess and should be treated as such," Xander said carefreely with sugar-coated words as Asher bit back a chuckle that threatened to slip from his lips.
Even Aurora understood Xander’s drill and laughed inwardly. But the Princess was the only one who seemed to be oblivious even though she had her doubts.
"Xander is right," Asher said. "You should be accorded with the respect you dully deserve."
"By the way," Victoria added casually, finally convinced by the notion they were trying to pass. "Xander, you really should consider inviting me to your villa one day. I would love to see it."
Xander’s tone was measured as he replied, "I appreciate your interest, but my villa is strictly private."
Victoria arched a brow, her smile unwavering. "I see. Well, perhaps you will change your mind in the future."
Aurora watched the exchange, her expression calm though she felt a flicker of unease.
As they left the garden, Aurora took Xander’s arm, her heart full. She had no doubts about his loyalty and love no matter what games the Princess was trying to play.
~***~
Two days later, Tea Time Gossip Blog released an interesting article.
"Royal Goodbyes and Scandalous Whispers."
Greetings, Tea Time Darlings! It’s your favourite source for Wing City’s juiciest gossip, and today we’re serving you piping hot tea about royalty, rivalry, and redemption.
The Royal Princess of Octavia, Her Highness Victoria, has officially departed from Wing City after what we can only describe as an eventful visit. While her stay might have been brief, it was nothing short of fascinating.
Let’s talk about the highlight of her trip—the Princess’s obsession with Aurora Swift’s Fruit Punch Champagne. Yes, you heard that right! The Princess didn’t just enjoy a bottle; she made it a mission to visit Vintage Cellar’s prestigious winery. Sources close to the palace say she even insisted on having Aurora herself guide her through the winery—a rare honour, wouldn’t you agree?
If that wasn’t enough to spark envy, the Princess also extended a private invitation to Aurora Swift to her exclusive residence during her stay. We can only imagine what riveting conversations and glittering smiles were exchanged in such an intimate setting.
Now, here’s the kicker—Tea Time couldn’t help but throw shade at a certain someone. Cough cough Olivia, dear, when was the last time royalty insisted on your company? Oh wait, we forgot—you’ve been busy dealing with your own mess.
Aurora Swift: Wing City’s Rising Star
Speaking of Aurora, netizens are still reeling from the bombshell revelation that she’s not just the brains behind the Fruit Punch Champagne but also none other than Mrs. Xander Scott! Comments from our beloved readers have been nothing short of iconic:
"Aurora is the queen we didn’t know we needed. Mrs. Scott and a champagne mogul? Goals!"
"Olivia must be screaming into her pillow right now, lowkey regretting her life choices. Karma is a beautiful thing."
"How is Aurora this flawless? Please drop your skincare routine, Mrs. Scott!"
Aurora has been winning hearts, topping business charts, and rubbing elbows with royalty. Meanwhile, Olivia... well, let’s just say it’s not champagne and roses for her.
Stella Swift: Back from the Brink
Oh, and while we’re on the Swift family, here’s an update: Stella Swift has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a mild heart attack. Tea Time wishes her a speedy recovery—but also couldn’t resist dropping this gem: "Go and sin no more."
Coincidence or karma? We’ll let you decide, darlings.
Olivia and Owen: The Endless Saga
And now, for the drama we can’t stop watching—the ongoing soap opera that is Olivia and Owen Scott. While things appear calm on the surface, our sources tell us that all is not well behind closed doors.
Many are speculating that Olivia is avoiding divorce simply to dodge public humiliation. After all, she did marry the man she snatched from her sister, only to find herself unable to maintain peace in her marriage. Owen, on the other hand, seems to specialize in public embarrassments. How long until their next explosive episode?
One commenter nailed it: "Olivia’s life feels like a reality show, but not the good kind. Someone pass the popcorn!"
Tea Time predicts it’s only a matter of time before the cracks widen, and when they do, you know we will be here to spill every drop of the tea.
Stay tuned, Darlings. Until next time, remember: Gossip makes the world go round, and Tea Time Gossip Blog is your trusted source.
Chapter 174: All Suspects
Swift Family’s Private Residence.
Stella sat on the plush couch in the grand sitting room, her fingers massaging her temples slowly but firmly.
The stress of the past few days had taken its toll, and she had barely recovered from her hospital ordeal. Just as she leaned back to relax, a servant hurried into the room, clutching a tablet, her face pale with urgency.
"Ma’am, I think you need to see this," the servant said, her voice trembling slightly.
Stella raised an eyebrow, looking disinterested. "What now? Another piece of nonsense from those gossipmongers?"
"This one is from Tea Time Gossip Blog," the servant clarified, her tone laced with caution.
The moment Tea Time was mentioned, Stella’s eyes snapped open. "Give it to me," she demanded, snatching the tablet with a speed that belied her exhaustion.
Her sharp gaze skimmed through the article. At first, her expression was calm, but as she read the damning phrase "Go and sin no more," directed at her, the calm cracked like glass under pressure. Stella shot up from her seat, her face twisting in outrage.
"These senseless bloggers! How dare they!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the room. "What do they know about me to always mention my name in their blogs? They can’t make any sales without my name?"
Stella was so pissed with the level of disrespect and disregard from Tea Time Gossip Blog especially.
A famous socialite always appearing on Gossip blogs wasn’t the best for one’s reputation and at this rate, Stella felt that she would become a complete laughing stock in Wing City.
A few seconds later, Stella’s breathing grew heavy, and she clasped her forehead, feeling a faint spell washing over her. The servant quickly went to get her a glass of water and rushed to her side, fanning her as she sipped.
"Someone is after my life!" Stella hissed, slamming the empty glass onto the side table. "Whoever is behind this blog will regret crossing me."
Rising to her feet, she ordered, "Gather all the domestic staff in the living room immediately!"
Minutes later, the staff stood in neat rows, their heads slightly bowed, their expressions a mix of confusion and worry. Stella paced before them, her sharp gaze piercing into each one.
"Who among you has been feeding our family’s private affairs to outsiders?" she demanded, her voice cold and cutting.
The staff exchanged nervous glances but remained silent.
"Answer me!" Stella barked, her patience wearing thin. "Do you think I won’t fire every single one of you to root out the snake in our midst?"
Still, no one spoke.
Seeing their silence, Stella’s fury boiled over. "Fine! If none of you will confess, consider this your last day in my house. Pack your things and leave immediately!"
The room descended into chaos as the staff fell to their knees, pleading for mercy.
"Ma’am, we would never betray your trust!" one of them cried.
"Please reconsider!" another added, tears brimming in her eyes.
Before Stella could give the final order, Stephanie strode into the room, her eyes narrowing at the scene. "What is going on here?"
Stella turned sharply to face her sister-in-law, her lips curling into a frown. "What does it look like? These ungrateful staff members are leaking information to Tea Time Gossip Blog, and I’m firing them all. I can’t deal with their nuisance anymore."
Stephanie crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "On what evidence? Have you found the culprit?"
"They’re all suspects, and I’m going to replace them all!" Stella snapped.
Stephanie shook her head, her tone firm. "Firing the entire staff over baseless suspicions is rash. How are you certain the replacements won’t be worse?"
Their argument intensified, with Stephanie maintaining her stance that Stella was being unreasonable. Stella’s face reddened with anger, but Stephanie delivered the final blow.
"Let me remind you, Stella, that you don’t have the sole authority to make such decisions in this family. Adam’s will made that very clear," Stephanie said, her voice cool yet authoritative.
Stella stiffened, glaring daggers at her sister-in-law for embarrassing her in front of their domestic staff. Without another word, she stormed out of the room, leaving Stephanie to deal with the aftermath.
Stephanie turned to the trembling staff. "Go back to your duties. But remember, privacy is paramount in this household. Let this be a warning to all of you."
The staff murmured their gratitude and quickly dispersed, leaving Stephanie to sigh in relief.
---
Meanwhile, in the Scott family residence, Olivia sat on her bed, her phone in hand, seething after reading the same article from Tea Time Gossip Blog. She threw the phone onto the bed, her chest heaving with rage.
"Why does that stupid blogger keep comparing me to that bitch?" she growled, her hands balling into fists. "I don’t think she has ever said anything bad about Aurora before."
Her voice rose with each word. "Tea Time Gossip Blog, you just wait. I will find out who you are, and when I do, I’ll ruin you! And Aurora, better pray that you have nothing to do with this."
Her face flushed with fury, Olivia stomped around the room, muttering threats and curses.
---
In a guest room down the hall, Owen sat on the edge of his bed, his phone face down on the nightstand. He had read the same article minutes earlier, and the bitterness of regret consumed him.
His hands gripping the edge of the bed tightly as he went down the memory lane to realize that his life has been nothing but ruins since he left Aurora for Olivia.
He shook his head, replaying the memories of how Olivia had sweet-talked him into betraying Aurora.
"That vixen," he muttered, his jaw tightening. "She tricked me, seduced me, and made me destroy the one good thing in my life."
His voice rose in frustration. "Aurora was perfect, and I threw her away for Olivia’s fake charms. Now look at me—married to a woman who’s brought me nothing but shame and misery. And the worst; I don’t even now how to get rid of her."
Owen buried his face in his hands, his emotions teetering between anger and despair.
Chapter 175: Securing the Evidence
Aurora leaned comfortably against Xander on the two-sitter leather couch in their grand sitting room, the large TV casting a warm glow over the room as the couple shared a bowl of buttery popcorn.
The comedy movie played on, but Aurora’s laughter occasionally filled the space, her mood as light as the snacks they enjoyed.
A mischievous grin spread across Xander’s face as he tilted his head toward Aurora, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. She giggled, her shoulders shaking with delight.
"Stop that, it tickles!" she laughed, squirming as Xander nuzzled her neck playfully.
"It’s your fault for being irresistible," he teased, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer as she feigned an attempt to escape.
"And whose fault is it that a certain someone doesn’t know how to resist temptations despite his years of training in the armed forces?" Aurora retorted.
Xander gave her a look before continuing with his teasing. "My wife’s fault."
The bowl of popcorn tipped, spilling onto the couch and floor as their playful banter continued. Aurora sighed dramatically, shaking her head with a smile.
"See what you did?" she chided, lightly slapping his arm.
Xander chuckled. "Totally worth it."
Together, they picked up the scattered popcorn, their hands brushing occasionally, eliciting shy smiles. When the mess was cleaned, Aurora settled back into Xander’s arms, the popcorn bowl now safely on the table.
As the movie continued, Aurora’s smile faded slightly, her thoughts turning elsewhere. "Darling," she began softly, "I think we should visit the hospital soon."
Xander’s relaxed posture stiffened immediately. Concern flickered in his eyes as he turned to her, his hand resting protectively on her shoulder. "Are you feeling unwell? Is something wrong?"
Aurora placed a calming hand on his chest seeing that he was already trying to lean away from the couch. "No, no, it’s nothing like that," she reassured him, her voice steady.
"Then why the hospital?" he pressed, his brows furrowed as his back rested on the couch. Concern was still evident in his tone, and he was not about to rest until he found out the reason for her sudden decision.
"To put a temporary end to the contraceptives, run some tests, and... start preparing my womb," she explained, her gaze meeting his. A small smile tugged at her lips as she added, "I think it’s time we start trying for a child."
Xander’s expression transformed instantly. A broad smile lit up his face, and he pulled Aurora close, his arms wrapping tightly around her.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with happiness and disbelief. "That you are ready to bring our child into this world, and be a mother?"
Aurora nodded, her cheeks glowing. "I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. We aren’t exactly in our twenties anymore. It feels like the right time, especially now that I’m not so busy."
Xander kissed her forehead once, twice, three times, his gratitude pouring through the simple gesture. "You’ve just given me the best news," he whispered. "Thank you, sweetheart."
Aurora basked in his happiness, feeling her own heart swell with joy.
---
Later that evening, as their movie ended, Liam appeared at the doorway, his expression serious. Xander noticed immediately and placed a gentle hand on Aurora’s shoulder.
"Sweetheart, I need to handle something," he said. "Go ahead to bed; I will join you soon."
Aurora nodded, sensing the shift in atmosphere. "Don’t take too long," she teased lightly before heading upstairs.
---
The air in Xander’s study was heavy with anticipation. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the room, emphasizing the tension. Liam stood across from Xander, his stance professional but laced with urgency.
"Sir, we’ve made significant progress," Liam began, his tone steady but clipped. "We’ve located the waiter’s wife and have her in custody. She’s already confessed."
Xander’s brow furrowed slightly, his piercing gaze locked onto Liam. "Let me see it."
Liam nodded, pulling out his phone with precision. He navigated swiftly through his files before placing it on Xander’s desk. "This is her confession."
As the video began, the face of a young, terrified woman filled the screen. Her hands trembled as she clutched her knees, her wide eyes darting between the camera and the men interrogating her.
"Please, don’t hurt me!" she cried, her voice breaking. "I have a child! I was just trying to protect him!"
The male voice behind the camera was firm but calm. "If you want to protect your child, tell us everything. What do you know about your husband and Adam Swift’s murder?"
The woman hesitated, her shoulders heaving with silent sobs. She glanced nervously at the two imposing figures flanking her, their silent presence a constant reminder of her precarious situation.
After a few agonizing moments, she whispered, "Stella Swift is involved."
The name hung in the air like a thunderclap.
Xander’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening imperceptibly as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk.
The man behind the camera pressed further. "Do you understand the gravity of accusing someone like Stella Swift? You’d better have proof."
The woman nodded frantically, her hands gripping the hem of her worn dress. "I do! I swear I do! She... she ordered my husband to kill her stepdaughter, Aurora, at the wedding party that night. But something went wrong, and he shot Mr. Swift instead. And I also know she got rid of my husband just to bury the matter."
The room in the video fell silent, the only sound the faint hum of the camera.
"Do you have evidence?" the man asked again, his tone relentless.
The woman swallowed hard before answering, "My husband told me everything when I paid him a visit at the station. He knew Stella would never let him live after what happened." Her voice broke, and she took a shaky breath.
"I made a recording of his confession just in case anything happened to him or to us. And I have bank receipts showing a transfer from an offshore account linked to her. It’s all back home in Wing City."
"Why didn’t you go to the police with this?" the man demanded.
The woman let out a bitter laugh, her tears streaming freely now. "Do you really think the police would go after someone like Stella Swift? She’d bury this whole thing and me with it. And I had a child to protect!"
The video ended abruptly, and silence filled Xander’s study. He exhaled deeply, his fingers steepled as he processed the woman’s words.
"She’s returning to Wing City as we speak," Liam informed him, breaking the silence. "Our team is escorting her. We will ensure her safety and secure the evidence she mentioned."
Xander nodded, his expression unreadable. "Follow up with the station tomorrow morning. I need confirmation that the weapon used to kill Adam Swift is still in evidence."
"Understood." Liam placed his phone back into his jacket pocket, bowed slightly before exiting the room, leaving Xander alone with his thoughts.
The study seemed quieter now, the soft ticking of the antique clock on the wall the only sound. Xander tapped his fingers against the desk, his mind racing.
"Sweetheart," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just a little longer. I promised you justice, and I will deliver."