Ch. 251..255: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 251-255

Chapter 251-chapter will update soon.

Chapter 252: Toxic Divorce Saga

Two days later, the Tea Time Gossip blog released a detailed article about the judge’s verdict in Olivia and Owen’s divorce settlement case.

---

Olivia Swift vs. Owen Scott: The Divorce Battle That’s Keeping Wing City Entertained!

Tea darlings, grab your popcorn and settle in because the drama between Olivia Swift and Owen Scott is not slowing down! If you thought their first court battle was a spectacle, the second round was nothing short of a blockbuster.

Two days ago, the estranged couple returned to court for yet another bitter divorce hearing, and trust us when we say—it was messy, scandalous, and absolutely entertaining. The court was once again packed with spectators, reporters, and legal sharks ready to feast on the chaos. Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Courtroom Showdown: Olivia’s ’Revenge’ and Owen’s ’Counterattack’

Olivia Swift entered the courtroom armed to the teeth with evidence, ready to strike where it hurt the most—Owen’s cheating ways. Her legal team presented an impressive lineup of receipts, including videos, photos, and internet articles showcasing Owen’s numerous affairs. And guess what? Tea Time Gossip Blog articles were part of the evidence! Yes, darling readers, we are now officially court-certified tea suppliers!

The internet was filled with proof of Owen’s escapades—clubs, hotels, romantic getaways, and even public make-out sessions with his many mistresses. And let’s not forget the now-iconic footage of Olivia standing in the background, looking like a scorned queen while her husband entertained his side chicks. Humiliating much?

But Owen Scott wasn’t about to let Olivia have the last laugh. His legal team clapped back hard with their own set of evidence that painted Olivia as a volatile and destructive wife. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any juicier—BOOM!

Owen’s lawyer played CCTV footage of Olivia slapping the Scott family’s butler across the face. The poor man staggered from the impact, looking completely shell-shocked. And if that wasn’t enough, another clip showed Olivia going on a vandalism spree, shattering the grand windows of Owen’s family estate like a true madwoman.

Tea darlings, we tell you, it was a back-and-forth battle of who could embarrass who the most!

The Judge Has Had Enough!

Judge Ursula Hugo, a seasoned woman who has seen all kinds of rich-people nonsense, completely lost her patience in the courtroom. After sitting through hours of toxic blame games, she slammed her gavel so hard that the courtroom fell into dead silence.

"I have had enough of this nonsense. I will not waste another second of my time. This case will end today."

And just like that, the final verdict was passed.

The Final Ruling: Who Won the War?

Olivia Swift was awarded 20% of all properties in Owen’s name (excluding those belonging to the Scott family).

Olivia was also ordered to personally cover the costs of all the damages she caused to Owen’s family estate.

Owen was visibly furious, while Olivia looked like she wanted to scream.

Neither of them got what they wanted. Olivia had fought for 50%, while Owen had wanted to give her nothing. But in the end, the court decided to punish them both equally.

Did Owen Leak the Viral Videos as Revenge?

And now for the biggest question of the week—who leaked the footage of Olivia slapping the butler and vandalizing Owen’s family home?

Within hours of the court ruling, the damning videos began trending online, racking up millions of views across social media.

Owen denies having anything to do with the leak, but let’s be honest, who else would have access to such security footage? This smells like a calculated revenge move, and honestly, we can’t even blame him. Owen was forced to compensate a woman he claims ’ruined his life,’ so is this his way of hitting back?

Wing City, we need answers!

The Karma Chronicles: When Two Villains Destroy Each Other

While Olivia and Owen tear each other apart, the internet is having a field day.

"Although Owen lost his job and his position at the Scott family’s company because of his cheating, he deserves to compensate Olivia—even though she doesn’t deserve it either. It’s good that they’re both fighting each other. Karma came with a full premium package for them."

We can’t help but agree! Neither of them are saints. Olivia schemed her way into Owen’s life by betraying her own sister (yes, we didn’t forget how she stole him from Aurora!), while Owen is a serial cheater who paraded his infidelity for the world to see.

Theydeserve each other.

Where Do the Swift and Scott Families Stand?

Now, here’s the real mystery—why haven’t either of their families spoken up about this mess?

Both the Scott and Swift families have remained suspiciously quiet throughout this entire battle. No spokesperson. No statements. No damage control.

Does this mean they’re ashamed of their children?

Or are they secretly enjoying the spectacle from behind the scenes?

Either way, Wing City’s wealthiest families are being uncharacteristically silent, and we can’t wait to see what their next move will be!

Comments Section: The Internet Has No Chill

JusticeForWhales:"Olivia is getting a taste of her own medicine. She thought she was the baddest chick in town, but Owen showed her flames! Good for her!"

OwenIsTrash:"Owen is trash. He cheated and humiliated Olivia repeatedly. She deserves every damn cent of that 20%."

MomOfFive:"They both deserve each other. A cheater and a manipulator. The universe is just balancing things out."

Mary255:"That judge is my hero. The way she dragged them for filth before ruling? ICONIC."

Peace_beings:"Honestly, I feel bad for both of them. They destroyed each other’s lives. They should’ve never been together."

LockOliviaUp:"Olivia slapped a butler?!? This woman is unhinged!"

NotMyBusiness:"Owen better watch his back. Olivia is the type to burn his house down for fun."

Its_me_karma:"In their next life, these two will NEVER cross paths. The universe will make sure of it."

orange_marmalade:"The real winner here is Aurora. She dodged the biggest bullet in history!"

And that’s the latest from Wing City’s most toxic divorce saga!

Tea darlings, what do YOU think?

Did Owen leak those videos out of revenge?

Does Olivia deserve 20% of his assets?

Will their families EVER speak up?

Drop your hot takes in the comments and stay tuned for more premium tea because trust us—this mess isn’t over yet!

~Tea Time.

Chapter 253: The Heartbeat of the Little Human

Abigail sat cross-legged on the plush rug in her bedroom, surrounded by scattered movie scripts. Some were still open, others flipped upside down, but instead of reading them like she was supposed to, her attention was fixated on her phone screen.

Tea Time Gossip Blog had just posted their latest article about Olivia and Owen’s latest court battle, and Abigail was loving every bit of the tea.

"Serves them right. Good job!" she exclaimed with a satisfied grin, scrolling through the juicy details.

But her excitement quickly turned into a deep frown as she came across yet another mention of Aurora’s name in the article.

"Ugh, must this blogger always drag Aurora into Olivia and Owen’s filth? This is so not acceptable!" Abigail grumbled, tapping her nails aggressively against the phone screen.

No matter how far removed Aurora was from Owen, the gossip blogs just wouldn’t let go of the fact that she once dated him. It was an insult—as if Aurora should be forever associated with that cheating bastard just because Olivia stole him.

Abigail was just about to start typing out a strongly-worded email to Tea Time when a knock sounded on her door.

"Come in!" she called, still fuming.

Her mother, Evelyn, stepped inside and stopped at the sight of the movie script massacre all around her. Raising a brow, she then noticed Abigail’s deep scowl.

"What’s wrong now?" Evelyn asked, folding her arms.

Abigail sighed dramatically. "This stupid Tea Time blogger won’t stop dragging Aurora’s name into Olivia and Owen’s mess. It’s like they’re obsessed with reminding people that Aurora once dated that idiot!"

Evelyn shook her head, unimpressed. "And you left the scripts you’re supposed to be reviewing just to read gossip?"

Abigail waved her off. "Mum, please. This is important."

Evelyn scoffed. "Important? An anonymous blogger stirring up trouble is important?"

"Yes!" Abigail huffed. "And I’m going to send them an email. They need to stop attaching Aurora’s name to those two."

Evelyn gave her daughter a knowing look before letting out a sigh. "Abigail, bloggers don’t care about right or wrong. They care about traffic and attention. If they think including Aurora’s name will bring clicks, they won’t stop, no matter what email you send."

Abigail groaned, throwing herself back on the rug. "So what? I’m just supposed to sit back and let them keep doing it?"

Evelyn shrugged. "You can’t control what people write on the internet."

Abigail scowled, hating how right her mother was.

But then Evelyn’s tone shifted. "Anyway, that’s not why I came to find you."

Abigail sat up, finally looking at her mother properly. "What is it?"

Evelyn hesitated for a second before saying, "Your father called."

Immediately, Abigail’s entire body tensed.

Her grip on her phone tightened as her jaw clenched. "And?" she asked, her voice dangerously calm.

"He asked about you," Evelyn continued carefully.

Abigail scoffed loudly, shaking her head in disbelief. "That man abandoned me for years. Didn’t even bother checking in. And now he suddenly wants to ask about me? What a joke."

Evelyn sighed, knowing this conversation wouldn’t go well. She watched as Abigail’s anger boiled over, her emotions raw and unfiltered.

"That man cut ties with me like I never existed," Abigail spat, her voice thick with suppressed pain. "He walked away and never looked back. So tell me, why should I care now? Why should I even acknowledge his existence?"

Evelyn remained silent, allowing her daughter to vent.

Abigail’s chest heaved, but she refused to cry. She had already shed too many tears for that man back then. She wouldn’t waste another drop.

A long silence settled between them until Abigail muttered bitterly, "My situation is no different from Aurora’s."

Evelyn’s brows furrowed immediately. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice sharp with curiosity. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Abigail, what do you mean? Adam Swift was murdered. He didn’t abandon Aurora. So, how is your situation the same?"

Realizing her slip, Abigail swallowed hard. "Forget it," she said quickly, shutting down the topic immediately.

Evelyn didn’t look convinced, but she eventually let it go.

"If that’s your choice, fine," she sighed. "I just wanted you to know."

"Well, I don’t want to know," Abigail said coldly. "And I never want to hear about that man again."

Evelyn studied her for a moment before nodding slowly. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room.

The second she was gone, Abigail clenched her fists and slammed her palms on the rug in frustration.

---

Aurora & Xander’s Baby’s Heartbeat

That same evening, Aurora and Xander went to the hospital and were immediately escorted into her gynaecologist’s office, anticipation thick in the air.

Aurora lay on the examination table, anticipation thick in the air, her heart pounding as the doctor moved the doppler device over her slightly rounded stomach.

And then—

A tiny, rhythmic thumping filled the room.

Aurora’s breath hitched. Her eyes widened as she clutched Xander’s hand.

"Xander," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Xander stared at the monitor in awe, his usually composed expression melting into pure, unfiltered joy.

"That’s..." he trailed off, swallowing hard. "That’s our baby’s heartbeat."

Aurora’s eyes welled with tears, a mixture of happiness and disbelief washing over her.

It was real.

Their baby was real.

Xander brought Aurora’s hand to his lips, pressing a long, reverent kiss against it. "Our little miracle," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

The doctor smiled warmly. "A strong, steady heartbeat. Your baby is doing perfectly fine."

Aurora sniffled and nodded, unable to speak.

After the session, they sat behind the doctor’s desk.

"Are you taking your pregnancy vitamins?" the doctor asked.

Aurora nodded.

"Any issues?"

Aurora sighed. "I still feel tired all the time."

The doctor nodded in understanding. "That’s normal, but you need to focus on eating nutritious meals. Less junk food, more vegetables and fruits. Otherwise, if the baby gains too much weight, you risk tearing during labour—or worse, a C-section might be required."

Aurora paled instantly. "T-tearing?" she stammered.

Xander’s grip tightened on her hand. "Don’t worry doctor, she will do whatever is necessary to stay healthy," he assured the doctor firmly.

Aurora nodded quickly, not wanting to think about tearing ever again. Instead, she was already thinking of a healthy snack to replace or her junk addiction.

---

After leaving the hospital, Xander laced his fingers through Aurora’s and guided her toward their car, his grip firm yet gentle.

"Where are we going?" Aurora asked, glancing up at him with curiosity.

Xander smirked. "Shopping."

Aurora raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

"For winter," he replied smoothly, opening the car door for her. "You need warmer clothes, and I’d rather you be prepared before the cold settles in."

Aurora chuckled as she slid inside. "Look at you, being all responsible and husbandly."

Xander leaned down and whispered, "I’ve always been responsible, sweetheart. Just not in ways you were paying attention to before."

A knowing blush crept up Aurora’s face as she playfully swatted his arm. "Get in the car, Mr. Scott."

Xander chuckled deeply before closing the door and walking around to take his seat beside her.

---

The moment Aurora and Xander stepped into one of the most exclusive shopping malls in Wing City, all eyes turned to them.

It wasn’t just because of their striking presence—the powerful, impossibly handsome famous CEO and his elegant, glowing wife—but because of the intensity in the way Xander held her hand like he had no intention of letting her go.

Three of their bodyguards trailed them discreetly, ensuring that no one got too close.

A well-dressed store attendant practically sprinted toward them the moment they entered one of the high-end fashion boutiques.

"Mr. and Mrs. Scott!" she greeted, bowing slightly. "Welcome. It’s an honour to have you here."

Aurora smiled politely while Xander gave a small nod.

Within seconds, the store manager himself appeared, his suit perfectly pressed, his smile practiced yet eager.

"Mr. Scott, Mrs. Scott, I will personally assist you today. We have our new winter collection available in the private showroom. Please, right this way."

Inside the showroom, racks of luxurious coats, scarves, boots, and sweaters were carefully displayed under soft golden lighting.

A team of assistants stood ready, waiting for Xander and Aurora’s selection.

Xander picked out a cream-colored wool coat and held it up to Aurora’s shoulders.

"This one looks good," he said, analyzing her frame with a critical yet affectionate gaze.

Aurora touched the fabric, humming in approval. "It’s soft."

Without missing a beat, Xander helped her slip into it, ensuring that it fit comfortably.

"How does it feel?" he asked.

Aurora turned from side to side, checking her reflection in the mirror. "It’s nice, but I want to try another colour."

Xander nodded and gestured to the attendants, who immediately brought overcoats in deep blue, warm beige, and charcoal grey.

After trying a few more, Aurora finally settled on a rich navy-blue coat with a fur-lined hood.

"It makes your eyes stand out," Xander observed.

Chapter 254: Finally Apprehended

Stella stirred in her sleep, her brows streaked in a deep frown. She seemed to be having a bad dream because whatever it was she was seeing while her eyes were shut couldn’t be anything good, which was proven by how she gripped the white towel wrapped around her body.

"Urghh!" She groaned in her sleep before finally opening her eyes as she leaned away from the wooden panelled wall. The environment she was met with, drew a gasp from her lips.

"W-What—." Stella’s eyes grew wide in shock as her gaze darted around the small room she was sitting in. "W-what am I doing here?" She was shocked to see herself dozing off in the sauna, and she had no idea how she had gotten into it in the first place.

Stella jumped off the seat. A groan escaped her lips as she looked around her, shock and confusion obvious in her expression.

She couldn’t exactly pinpoint how long she had been in the sauna room, but from the pains stringing in her veins, she knew something had happened even though she couldn’t remember anything.

It felt like a part of her memory was missing. Her head was almost completely blank except for the question marks and confusion. It took a while for Stella to calm her nerves down and think slowly.

The pain in her body made her stop thinking about her lost memory and focus only on it.

Stella sat back down, her eyes looking past her shoulder in search of any injury. Overall, her body felt sore and weak, like it had been severely beaten with a pestle, but to her surprise, she couldn’t see anything—no marks—as long as her eyes could see.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t see her own back.

After a while, Stella gave up and stepped out of the sauna. She couldn’t remember exactly where she kept her clothes and had to stop one of the attendants she bumped into to ask for them.

"Oh, Ma’am. It’s in the VIP room. Let me take you there," the masseuse said politely before leading the way. After walking down the cool, rugged corridor and taking two turns, they finally arrived at VIP room no 5.

The masseuse pointed at the room and informed Stella that it was where she left her stuff before leaving.

Stella opened the door and walked into the room to see an outfit she didn’t recognize, but it did smell like her, which left her more confused than ever. Quickly, she opened the door to look for the masseuse who had led her into that room to actually ask if she had been mistaken, but she didn’t find anyone.

Reluctantly, Stella went back into the room and put on the clothes. She looked for her phone and her purse and couldn’t find them.

’That’s strange,’ she thought with deeply furrowed brows. An unsettling feeling whirled in the pool of her stomach. Giving up on the search, she stepped out of the room.

"This place feels so weird. I need to get out of here!" She said, her heart racing in her chest as she quickly walked down the corridor before finding the front desk.

"Excuse me," she said, her gaze moving to the people she saw at the front desk. "Are these my clothes?"

The young man behind the desk furrowed his brows slightly. "Yes, Ma’am. Is there a problem with it?" He confirmed, looking confused.

Stella was a little hesitant to answer that question. In the end, she shook her head, dismissing that topic and focusing on something else. "I couldn’t find my bag and my phone in the room."

The man and the two women behind the desk exchanged glances before returning their gaze to Stella. They looked genuinely confused.

"Ma’am, you didn’t come into our store with any item," one of the ladies answered.

Instantly, Stella narrowed her eyes. How is it possible that she would leave her house without a phone and a bag?

Fixing a stare at them, she asked, "How then did I book and pay for my spa session?"

Once again, those three behind the desk exchanged another confused glance, but this time around, there was a mixture of surprise.

"Ma’am, you can’t remember?" One of them asked.

"Ma’am, you already booked us and paid before coming into the store," another explained.

Stella lost her mind almost immediately. She had no recollection of those memories they just mentioned.

How come she couldn’t remember anything?

Even trying to remember any random scene in her head caused her head to hurt so much that she didn’t dare insist on recalling any memory.

At last, the people behind the desk took pity on Stella and proceeded to show her the CCTV footage that captured her walking into their store with nothing. She stopped at the front desk to speak to them for a bit. Finally, she was led into the store properly to her VIP room.

As Stella watched this footage, fear gripped her. She felt there was something more that she couldn’t pinpoint.

’I need to get home first,’ Stella concluded as her breathing ragged. She felt slightly dizzy and had to wedge herself with one arm balanced steadily on the counter.

"Ma’am, are you okay?" One of the young ladies rushed to her side with concern in her brows, offering to help her, but she declined.

Stella could sense something amiss, but the problem was that she had missing memories she couldn’t place her hands on. And the worst part of her situation was her failure to realize how much time had passed.

She literally had no idea that she had been missing for more than a month. If only she had realized this with the help of her ’phone’ or through the attendants in the spa, it might have been possible for her to temporarily escape from the hands of the police.

Unfortunately, she knew nothing. She was just a confused, fear-gripped woman trying to go back home and better understand her situation.

Stella made up her mind to leave, and just as she steadied herself and took five steps past the counter towards the entrance, the police burst in.

Detective Woods, two other detectives in mufti, and five policemen in uniform rushed into the store, slowing down immediately as soon as they saw the woman standing right in front of them.

Stella stopped in her steps with invincible question marks on her head. But the moment her gaze fell on Detective Woods, a sudden rush of memories flooded her mind.

The scenes of her questioning session with Detective Woods over the murder of her husband struck first. It was followed by her plans to leave the country, her coming into the spa and...

Stella couldn’t remember the rest, and by the time she returned to reality, Detective Woods and his team had already surrounded her.

"Mrs. Swift, you are under arrest," Detective Woods declared, his steely gaze locking onto hers. He held up an official arrest warrant in her face, the papers crisp, stamped, and undeniable. It had been over a month since it was issued, and finally, it got to be used today.

Panic surged through Stella’s veins, her heart racing in her chest as she clenched her fists. Still, she was trying to think fast on how to escape her doom.

"No! No, this is a mistake!" she shrieked, her voice cracking as she staggered backwards. Her eyes darted wildly, searching for an escape that didn’t exist as the people staff behind the desk watched the shocking scene unfolding before their very eyes.

Two officers advanced swiftly, blocking any path of retreat for Stella.

"Don’t make this harder on yourself, Mrs. Swift," Detective Woods warned, his voice calm yet firm. "I told you that the next time we’d meet would be a day like today."

Stella shook her head, her gaze wary. She refused to go down without a fight.

Suddenly, with a desperate scream, she lunged at the nearest officer, her fingernails clawing at his uniform. A mistake.

In one swift motion, he gripped her arm, twisting it behind her back. Another officer stepped in, forcing her onto her knees as the cold bite of handcuffs snapped around her wrists.

"Let me go! You have no right!" she howled, thrashing violently as her true nature emerged. Now, she was no longer confused and wary. She was the real Stella Swift.

"You’re not in a position to make demands," Detective Woods muttered, nodding at one of his men.

A dark cloth was swiftly draped over her cuffed hands, concealing them from public view as the officers hoisted her up.

Stella gasped for breath, her chest heaving, her defiance crumbling into dread.

"You have the right to remain silent," one officer began, reading her rights as they escorted her towards a waiting black police van outside the building where onlookers had halted to watch the drama with their phone cameras positioned on Stella.

Stella’s legs buckled, but the officers kept her steady, dragging her forward as she let out one last venomous cry—

"You’ll regret this! I swear it!"

Detective Woods exhaled, unmoved.

"Funny," he said, watching as they shoved her into the van. "That’s what all criminals say before they face justice."

Chapter 255: Stephanie’s Intentions

Thirty minutes after Stella was taken into police custody, Detective Woods phoned Stephanie to inform her about the latest developments.

"You found my sister-in-law?" Stephanie asked, rising to her feet as joy swirled in her heart. "Where did you see her?"

"We received a tip-off earlier this morning about her being seen going into the spa from last time. So, my men and I went there and arrested her," Detective Woods explained.

Stephanie still couldn’t believe her eyes. Stella had been missing for the past month without any leads to her disappearance, only for her to appear when no one else expected it.

But one thing baffled Stephanie. If Stella had run away, deliberately trying to avoid the police, why did she come out of hiding? And why did she choose that same spa to visit, amongst others?

Stephanie concluded that Stella was indeed very foolish. But it was a good thing she had been apprehended.

"Have you questioned her yet?" Stephanie asked, curious about Stella’s hiding place for the past month.

Regrettably, Detective Woods was yet to commence the interrogation.

"She is irrational at the moment. But the questioning will start this evening," he assured her.

Stephanie nodded and finally released a sigh of relief. A smile appeared on her lips as she sat back down on the couch and concluded her conversation with the detective.

Dropping the call, Stephanie set her phone aside. "Where is Olivia?" she asked the housekeeper who just brought her a bowl of some freshly cut sweet melons.

"In her room. Would you like me to send for her?" the housekeeper asked, standing to the side cautiously.

Stephanie shook her head. "Inform her to be in time for lunch."

After giving out her orders and watching as the housekeeper left, Stephanie relaxed on the couch, her eyes shining.

"Finally!" She muttered under her breath. "Let’s see how you would escape this one."

---

Xander’s Private Residence

At the same time, Liam informed Xander about Stella’s arrest and updated him with the latest developments.

"...the interrogation will commence in three hours."

"Good." Xander slowly nodded as his thumb finger rubbed the index finger. "Let the commissioner know the first trial should be held as soon as possible. Stella should receive her sentencing this December. Her case shouldn’t cross over to the new year. We want an early Christmas gift."

Liam bowed his head slightly. "I will let him know immediately."

Xander nodded approvingly, and just then, Aurora came downstairs and walked into the living room, looking tired.

She had just woken up from sleep, which is why she had some sleep marks on one side of her face.

"Sweetheart," Xander called, casting his gaze on her as soon as she walked in.

On the other hand, Liam bowed politely to her before leaving.

"I’m hungry," Aurora announced tiredly as she found herself settling in beside him on the two-sitter couch. Leaning over, she rested her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes.

"Nene will get something for you to eat," Xander assured her, sneaking his arm around her. "And while waiting for her, I have a piece of good news to share with you."

"Did you win a contract?" Aurora inquired drowsily without opening her eyes.

Xander smiled, shaking his head even though she couldn’t see him. "Stella has been arrested and taken into the police custody."

Instantly, Aurora’s eyes sprang open. The next moment, she leaned away and met his gaze. "Really? When?" she asked, surprised as her pulse quickened.

"It’s been over half an hour since she was found at the spa and taken away," Xander replied and proceeded to give her more details on Stella’s arrest while making sure to leave out the other details relating to the Major.

But Aurora, being sharp-witted, inquired about how Major Walker had sent Stella to the store. Xander shrugged, saying he didn’t know anything about it.

"That’s not important. It is a good thing that Stella has been handed over to the police. Hopefully, her case should end this year, so we don’t have to carry it over to the new year," saying this, Xander glanced down at Aurora’s small baby bump and placed his hand on it.

"I want our child to be born in a new year with no negativity," he added.

Aurora smiled. She thought what he said made sense and wholeheartedly agreed with him.

---

Swift Family’s Residence.

During lunch, Stephanie sat at the head table, shimmering in a good mood as she dished food on her plate.

Shortly after a nap, Olivia arrived with a scowl on her face. As she took her place at the other end of the table, her gaze fell on Stephanie.

She saw the smile at the corner of her lips, and her frown deepened. It was so rare to see her Aunt looking so excited at the dining table.

Olivia could only think that something good must have happened to her. And for her, as long as any other person except for her was happy, it wasn’t good news.

No matter how tempted Olivia was by the news of Stephanie’s happiness, she didn’t ask about it. Instead, she grabbed the serving spoon and began to fill her plate.

And just when she was done and had picked up her cutlery to start eating, Stephanie finally fixed her gaze on her.

"Your mother was found at the spa a few hours ago and has been arrested and taken into police custody."

As soon as Stephanie dropped the bomb, Olivia’s cutlery dropped on the table with a clanking sound.

"W-what? M-my M-mum has been found?" she stuttered, surprise filling her gaze.

"Yes," Stephanie confirmed with a nod. "She will be interrogated this evening. And we will soon find out where she has been hiding for weeks only to visit the spa today."

Olivia’s heart raced when she learned about her mother’s unfortunate situation. She had missed feeling about it.

Her mother killed her father and covered it up, and when evidence was found against her, she went into hiding only to show up and be arrested, ready to face trial.

This wasn’t anything to be happy about.

Olivia lost her appetite, sadness overwhelming her as her pulse increased.

Watching her Aunt eating happily from across her caused rage to overshadow her reasoning and without warning, she stood up and pushed her chair with the back of her knees harshly.

Stephanie lifted her gaze at that noise and saw Olivia staring hard at her, ready to leave. A smirk replaced the smile on her lips.

"Your cousins will be coming over in a few days," Stephanie suddenly informed, causing Olivia’s frown to deepen. "You will have to behave if you don’t want them to see you as a crackhead."

Almost immediately, Olivia’s gaze darkened. She felt insulted knowing that her Aunt had reduced her to nothing before her very eyes. Clenching her fists by her side, she posed a question through gritted teeth.

"How long will they be here for?"

Stephanie scoffed at her question and took her time eating and swallowing the food in her mouth before answering her.

"They haven’t even stepped their feet here, and you already want them gone?" Stephanie shook her head and picked up her golden spoon to continue eating. "My children will leave whenever they want to."

Even if Olivia were a brat without senses, she should be able to understand the situation Stephanie just described.

Her cousins were coming to stay.

Olivia’s nails dug into her palms, and anger shimmered in her eyes. She was so furious that the air around her shifted. Even though Stephanie was pretending not to pay any heed to her, she felt her anger yet continued to eat.

"I know what you are trying to do, Aunt!" Olivia said in a low, dangerous tone as she leaned into the table, her dark gaze fixated on Stephanie. "...getting rid of everyone and finally taking over everything my Dad built and owned, along with your children. How nauseating!"

Stephanie finally dropped her cutlery on the plate, and the smirk completely disappeared from her face. She was furious now.

"Mind your words, Olivia," she warned, pointing her index finger to Olivia’s face.

"I think you should mind your actions, Aunt!" Olivia retorted. "That my father put you in the position to oversee his family doesn’t mean you should betray his trust!" She sneered.

And right after saying her piece, she leaned away from the table and backed away. "I’m going to visit my mother. And I hope I’m permitted."

Stephanie watched as Olivia turned her back and walked away before a deep sigh escaped from her lips.

"See who is lecturing me now when I’ve only just started," she said as she retrieved her gaze and turned her full attention to her food after chasing Olivia away with the heartbreaking news.

What Olivia didn’t know was that Stephanie had deliberately driven her away without letting her have even a spoon from her lunch.