Ch. 266..270: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 266-270
Chapter 266: Can’t Run from Him
Aurora’s heart didn’t soften, and neither did Xander have a change of mind.
The morning air in the dining room was thick with tension. Xander sat at the head of the table, his fingers lightly tapping against the surface, while Aurora quietly spread jam over her toast. The silence between them was deafening, and Xander hated it.
Finally, Aurora set her knife down and lifted her gaze to him, her expression unreadable. "I’ve decided," she said, her voice steady but cold. "I’m leaving this house."
Xander’s brows furrowed. He leaned forward slightly. "What?"
"I won’t stay here while that man is still in the basement," she stated. "I told you my limits, Xander. You made your choice, and now I’m making mine."
Xander’s jaw clenched. "Sweetheart, that doesn’t make any sense. This is your home."
Aurora picked up her tea, taking a slow sip before responding. "Not anymore."
His grip on his fork tightened. He felt that his authority was being challenged. "I won’t permit you to leave."
Aurora’s lips pressed into a thin line. She knew Xander wouldn’t take this well, but she didn’t expect him to outright refuse her decision. He didn’t even try to negotiate terms with her, and that angered her greatly.
"Xander, you don’t get to decide that for me," she said calmly. "I wasn’t asking for your opinion. And besides, I was only giving you a heads up like a normal sensible partner should."
Aurora’s harsh statement struck a cord in Xander. She had just subtly jabbed him about accountability.
Since he claimed his house belonged to her, why didn’t he feel the need to inform him about the spy before locking him in their basement?
If he had a shred of respect for her, and saw her as his partner as he claimed, he would known the right think to do, and done it.
Xander knew Aurora was right, but he couldn’t apologize now since he deemed another matter more important.
"You’re pregnant, Aurora." His voice was sharp now. "You can’t just leave over this. It’s irrational."
Aurora didn’t bother responding to him anymore. Instead, she picked up her napkin, dabbed the corners of her lips, and stood from the table.
Xander sighed heavily, rubbing his temple as he watched her walk away. He had told her not to leave, and he hoped she would listen to him otherwise, the situation would get out of hand.
---
Aurora didn’t waste time once she arrived at the company. The moment the chauffeur pulled up to the entrance of Vintage Cellar, she turned to him and said, "You can go back first. I will find my way later."
The driver blinked in surprise. "But Ma’am—"
"I’ll be fine," Aurora cut in. She grabbed her bag, stepped out of the car, and walked straight inside the building without sparing another glance.
As soon as working hours ended, Aurora boarded a cab and went straight to her penthouse. The very place she had rented before she married Xander.
It had been months since she had last stepped foot in the space, but the moment she walked through the door, a strange wave of nostalgia and loneliness hit her. The penthouse was neat, untouched, but it lacked warmth.
She exhaled deeply and set her bag down, walking toward the large glass windows overlooking the city. The view was breathtaking, but her heart felt heavy.
The sharp ring of Aurora’s phone broke the silence ten minutes later.
Aurora glanced at the screen and saw Abigail’s name displayed on it.
She hesitated for a moment before answering, failing to cover up the emotion in her voice, "Hey, Abby."
"Hey, girl. Just checking in," Abigail’s voice came through, light and cheerful. "You don’t sound so good, though. What’s up?"
Aurora forced a small smile. "Nothing. Just tired."
There was a brief pause before Abigail hummed in disbelief. "You’re lying."
Aurora sighed. "Abby, I don’t want to talk about it."
Abigail clicked her tongue. "Fine. But I’m in town. Should I come over?"
Aurora hesitated again. "Come to my penthouse."
There was a beat of silence before Abigail responded, "Penthouse? Why aren’t you home?"
"Long story," Aurora muttered.
"Alright, I’m on my way," Abigail said, and before Aurora could change her mind, the call ended.
With a tired sigh, Aurora powered off her phone. She knew Xander would try to call her when he realizes that she was gone, and she needed space to think.
---
An hour later, the doorbell rang.
Aurora checked the camera feed to confirm it was Abigail before unlocking the door.
Abigail stepped in, immediately taking in her best friend’s appearance. She noted Aurora’s dull look and the shine absent from her eyes.
"You look like you’ve been through war," she commented, shutting the door behind her.
Aurora gave a small laugh and led her toward the living room.
Abigail placed a black nylon bag on the table and plopped down beside her. "Brought food and drinks on my way. They’re all healthy, so you can have some."
Aurora eyed the drink warily. "Are you sure?"
Abigail scoffed. "Would I lie to a pregnant woman?"
Aurora sighed, grabbed a can, and took a sip.
Abigail watched her for a moment before tilting her head. "You fought with Xander, didn’t you?"
Aurora took another sip before responding. "It was a small fight."
Abigail raised a brow. "You moved out of your husband’s house, and you’re calling it a small fight?"
Aurora remained silent.
Then Abigail leaned in. "Spill," she demanded in a tone that could not be refuted.
Aurora exhaled and set the can down. "We had a disagreement. He refused to listen to me, so I moved out for now."
Abigail’s jaw dropped. "Aurora, you’re pregnant! You can’t just leave your husband over an argument. That’s very wrong. What if something goes wrong?"
Aurora, understanding what her best friend meant, instinctively placed a hand on her abdomen. "No mistake will happen." She sounded very confident.
Abigail sighed tiredly. She didn’t know what to say anymore. But knowing that all her best friend needed was a listening ear, an open mind and a supportive presence, she calmed her nerves down.
"What did Xander say when you were leaving?" she inquired with curiosity laced in her tone.
Aurora looked away. "He doesn’t know I left."
Abigail nearly choked on her drink. "Excuse me?"
"I told him I was leaving. He didn’t like that idea and asked me to leave. He probably thinks I would return home straight from work," Aurora explained.
Abigail shook her head and took a long sip of her juice before setting it down. "You’re joking if you think you can run from Xander or hide from him."
Aurora frowned. "I—"
"No, listen to me." Abigail leaned forward. "That man loves you. He will find you. There’s no way he will let his pregnant wife run off because she isn’t pleased with his decision, and do nothing about it."
Aurora swallowed. She already knew that, but hearing it from Abigail made it more real.
A beat of silence passed before she quietly asked, "Can I stay with you for a few days?" She so desperately wanted to stay away from Xander for some time, either to clear her head or until the prisoner was gone.
Abigail let out a deep sigh. "Aura, my mother is home. Unless you want her to know you’re fighting with your husband."
Aurora frowned. "No." She didn’t want anyone else apart from her best friend to know about it. And if Abigail hadn’t called, she would never have mentioned it to her.
"Then that’s not an option," Abigail said simply.
Aurora fell into silence, contemplating her next move.
Abigail reached into the takeout bag, pulling out the containers. "Well, whatever you decide, you need to eat. You will need the energy when Xander finds you."
Aurora shot her a look but took the spoon she handed her anyway.
As she picked at her food, one thought lingered in her mind.
She could only hope Xander didn’t find her tonight.
Chapter 267: He Came for Her
Xander stood in the middle of the living room, his gaze sharp and unforgiving as he stared down the trembling chauffeur.
His patience had already been wearing thin since the moment he realized Aurora had not returned home, but this? This was outright defiance.
"Let me get this straight," Xander’s voice was dangerously low. "She told you to go back home, that she’d find her own way, and you listened?"
The chauffeur swallowed hard, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "S-Sir, I—"
"You didn’t think to inform me?" Xander cut him off, his jaw clenching.
The chauffeur dropped his gaze, his hands shaking at his sides. "Forgive me, Sir. I—"
"Save it," Xander snapped, turning away abruptly, his fists tightening at his sides.
Liam, who had been standing quietly to the side, finally spoke. "Leave," he ordered the chauffeur.
The man bowed deeply before scurrying out of the living room.
Xander ran a hand through his hair in frustration, pacing back and forth. Aurora had ignored his instructions. Again. And the worst part? He had no idea where she was.
Right in the middle of his thoughts, Liam spoke again, reminding him of something important he forgot. "I can track her phone."
Xander stopped pacing and turned sharply. "Then what are you waiting for? Hurry."
Liam bowed his head and quickly left the room.
Xander pulled his phone out and tried calling Aurora, but his irritation doubled when the automated voice responded: The number you are trying to reach is currently switched off.
His grip on the phone tightened. Damn it, Aurora.
That woman was going to be the death of him.
Minutes later, Liam returned. "Sir," he said. "Her phone is off, so the tracker isn’t active, but I found the last location it picked up before shutting down."
Xander’s eyes darkened. "Where?"
Liam recited the address.
The moment he heard it, Xander’s lips twisted into a humourless smirk. "Her penthouse."
"Yes, Sir," Liam confirmed.
Xander exhaled sharply. "Get the chopper ready. I’m bringing my wife home."
Liam nodded and turned to leave.
Xander followed behind him, his mind set.
"You can’t run from me, Sweetheart."
---
Aurora’s Penthouse.
Aurora and Abigail sat in the living room, their eyes on the television screen, though neither of them was fully paying attention to the movie playing.
The meal was finished, and Abigail had cleaned up, leaving no distractions. Now, they simply enjoyed the quiet atmosphere—at least, until the sudden ringing of the doorbell disrupted it.
Both women turned their heads toward the door.
Abigail sighed. "You ordered something?"
Aurora shook her head. "No."
Abigail gave her a pointed look. "Then it’s him."
Aurora crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "If it’s Xander, I’m not letting him in."
The doorbell rang again.
Abigail stood up. "I’ll check."
Aurora hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Abigail walked over and checked the camera. To her surprise, it was one of the building’s security guards. She turned to Aurora. "It’s not him. It’s security."
Aurora frowned and stepped closer, peering at the screen.
’Why is security here instead of Xander?’ she thought.
Pressing the intercom button, she spoke. "Is something wrong?"
"Good evening, Ma’am," the guard greeted. "A complaint was made about noise coming from your apartment. Can you step out for a moment?"
Aurora frowned.
Abigail signalled her, silently telling her to step back. Aurora did as instructed, and Abigail unlocked the door.
The moment the door cracked open—
Xander appeared in front of them.
Abigail blinked in surprise. "Oh, you smart ass!" she muttered under her breath.
Aurora, who had been standing slightly behind, stiffened when she saw him. She never expected him actually to show up in this cunning manner.
At the same time, the security guard bowed slightly and left after getting his job done.
Abigail smiled and stepped aside. "It’s good to see you, Mr. Scott."
Xander didn’t respond to her, but he did meet her gaze before fixing his attention solely on Aurora. "I’ve come to take you home."
Aurora scoffed and turned on her heels, walking back into the living room. He must be joking.
Xander sighed and followed her inside.
Aurora sat back down on the couch and picked up her drink as if he wasn’t there. "Leave, Xander."
Xander didn’t move. "I’m not leaving without you."
Abigail, sensing the tension, grabbed her handbag. "I think this is my cue to leave."
Aurora frowned, leaning away from her seat. "Abby—"
Abigail smiled knowingly. "You will call me later."
And with that, she waved goodbye and walked past Xander. "Good luck," she whispered before disappearing out the door.
Aurora sighed, knowing she was now stuck with her husband, whose presence was annoying and unbearable.
Xander took slow steps toward her. "You left the house when I told you not to."
Aurora didn’t respond.
"Aurora," Xander called, his voice lower.
Still, she ignored him.
Xander exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "Do you think you don’t need your husband’s permission before leaving like that?"
Aurora scoffed and finally looked at him. "Which husband?"
Xander groaned in frustration.
This woman was going to drive him mad.
"You can’t keep running from me, Aurora," he said, voice firm. "You are my wife."
"Then start acting like my husband," she snapped. "Because right now, all you are to me is a man who disregards my feelings and expects me to stay silent."
Xander’s eyes flashed with emotion, but he said nothing.
Aurora stood up, folding her arms. "I’m not going back with you."
"You are," Xander countered.
Aurora clenched her jaw. "You can’t control me. I’m not one of your subordinates"
Xander inhaled deeply, trying to steady his emotions. "Then come home with me on your own."
"No," she refused. She had made up her mind that she wasn’t going to move an inch.
Xander pinched the bridge of his nose. "You’re carrying my child. Do you think I’ll let you stay here alone?"
Aurora held his gaze defiantly. "I’d rather stay here than live in a house where you justify torture."
Silence.
Xander exhaled sharply, stepping back. His eyes studied her, searching for something—anything—to convince her to listen.
But Aurora was resolute.
She wasn’t going home tonight.
Xander finally ran a hand through his hair and muttered, "Damn it."
Then, he turned around and stormed out.
Aurora stared at the closed door, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn’t believe he left like that.
A heavy feeling settled in Aurora’s chest, but just when tears had formed in her eyes as she felt abandoned, Xander returned to her surprise.
He walked up to her, and without saying a word, he scooped her in his sturdy arms.
Chapter 268: A Temporary Room
The helicopter hummed softly in the night sky as it soared over the city, its blades slicing through the wind with rhythmic precision.
Inside the cabin, Xander sat with his arms folded, his gaze fixed on the dark horizon. Across from him, Aurora sat stiffly, arms crossed over her chest, her expression set in stone.
The silence between them was heavy, only interrupted by the distant sound of the chopper’s engine.
Aurora finally broke the quiet, her voice laced with restrained fury. "I don’t want to be in the same house with you while that man is still in the basement."
Xander exhaled sharply through his nose, his fingers twitching slightly on his bicep. He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Well, since I’m the problem now, you won’t have to worry about catching even a glimpse of my shadow," he said evenly. His voice carried no emotion, just a simple statement.
Aurora frowned but said nothing.
Xander leaned his head back against the seat and added, "I will live as though I’m dead."
Aurora’s fingers tightened against her arms, but she refused to let her emotions show. She simply turned her head away, staring out the window as the city lights blurred beneath them.
Neither of them spoke for the rest of the flight.
---
Xander’s Private Residence.
The atmosphere inside the house was eerily quiet as the couple walked in through the grand entrance.
Aurora barely spared Xander a glance as she made her way up the stairs. And he followed at a slower pace, his expression neutral.
By the time Xander entered their bedroom, Aurora was already sitting on the bed, scrolling through her phone, pretending not to notice his presence.
Without saying a word to her, he went to the dressing room and began packing a few of his essentials into a black travel bag. He moved with practiced ease, gathering a couple of shirts, a few pairs of trousers, and some necessities.
When he emerged from the dressing room, bag in hand, he noticed Aurora quickly avert her gaze, her fingers tightening around her phone. She was pretending not to see him—but he knew she had.
Still, he didn’t call her out on it. After all, she was mad at him for a few reasons already, so he would just respect her emotions and decisions.
Instead, he simply spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Make sure you eat on time. And take your meds properly—for the baby’s sake."
Aurora remained silent.
Xander lingered for a moment as if waiting for her to say something. When she didn’t, he gave a small nod to himself and walked out, shutting the door behind him with a soft thud.
---
Xander entered his study and locked the door behind him. The room, usually filled with the scent of old books and the soft glow of desk lamps, felt different tonight. It was now his temporary home.
Xander set his bag down and glanced around, making a quick assessment. The study was large enough, with a small lounging area in the corner. It wasn’t the most comfortable option, but it would do.
Without hesitation, he moved some books off the long leather couch and grabbed a thick blanket from the storage cabinet. Tossing it over the couch, he adjusted the cushions and turned the space into a makeshift bed.
With a tired sigh, he headed into the en-suite bathroom, peeling off his shirt as he stepped under the cool spray of the shower. The water ran over his tense muscles, but it did little to wash away the frustration weighing on his chest.
He didn’t think he would be fighting with his pregnant wife so soon. The situation was beyond his control.
When he emerged, dressed in a simple loungewear set, he didn’t bother checking his phone. He simply lay down on the couch, draped the blanket over himself, and closed his eyes.
If his wife wanted him to be a ghost in their house, he would oblige.
For now.
---
Aurora had completely forgotten to call Abigail back until her phone rang later that night. Seeing her best friend’s name on the screen, she sighed and answered. "Hey, Abby!"
Abigail’s voice was light with amusement. "So, did you leave with your husband?"
Aurora leaned back against the headboard. "Yes," she replied with a tinge of annoyance in her tone.
Abigail chuckled. "I knew it."
Aurora rolled her eyes. "That doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven him."
There was a brief pause before Abigail’s curiosity piqued. "Why? If you hadn’t forgiven him, why did you leave with him?"
"He picked me up from the couch and carried me away despite my protests," Aurora revealed.
There was a brief silence from the end before Abigail burst into a fit of laughter. "What? Hahaha..."
Aurora hesitated for a moment before adding, "Well, none of that matters. I told him I didn’t want to see his face, so he packed some of his things and left our bedroom."
Abigail sat up from where she was lounging as her laughter died down. "Wait, what?"
Aurora continued absentmindedly, "He left. Took a bag and walked out."
Abigail’s eyes widened is disbelief. She didn’t know the situation would arrive at this point. "Where is he sleeping then?"
Aurora shrugged. "I don’t care. His house has dozens of rooms. He can find somewhere to stay."
Abigail sighed dramatically. "Aurora, I get that you’re upset, but don’t push him too far."
Aurora scoffed but didn’t argue. The two continued talking for a few more minutes before concluding their chat.
---
After ending the call with Aurora, Abigail stared at her phone thoughtfully. Then, as if on impulse, she dialled Asher’s number.
The phone rang for a while before he picked up. "Abigail?"
"Hey," she greeted. "Busy?"
Asher leaned back against his chair, smirking slightly. "Why? You calling to check up on me?"
Abigail rolled her eyes. "Not exactly."
Asher chuckled. "Then what is it?"
"It’s about Aurora and Xander," she admitted.
Asher’s smirk faded slightly. He adjusted his posture. "What about them?"
Abigail frowned. "Don’t act like you don’t know they’re fighting."
Asher raised a brow. "Are they?"
Abigail narrowed her eyes. "Wait... You didn’t know?"
Asher leaned back again, pretending to think. "Hmm... maybe."
Abigail scoffed. "You knew, didn’t you?"
Chapter 269: Making Plans for Olivia
Asher chuckled. "I had a feeling," he said, hiding the details.
Abigail sighed. "Well, it’s worse than I thought. Aurora left the house, and Xander actually went to her penthouse to drag her back home."
Asher smirked. "That sounds like him."
Abigail huffed. "And now they’re avoiding each other in their own house. Aurora forced him out of their bedroom, and he actually left."
Asher hummed in thought. "Interesting."
"I really thought you’d be more surprised."
"There is nothing surprising about a husband and wife’s fight. It’s normal."
Abigail rolled her eyes. "You’re impossible."
Asher chuckled. "And you called me for this?"
Abigail hesitated before muttering, "I called to find out the details of their fight since Aurora wouldn’t say anything. But even you didn’t know they were fighting."
Asher laughed to his heart’s content. He seemed absolutely pleased for disappointing her.
As soon as the call ended, Asher shook his head, his smirk fading slightly. He leaned forward and ran a hand down his face.
"I didn’t think it would escalate this fast," he muttered.
He had expected tension between Xander and Aurora, but this? This was something else.
---
The cold, sterile walls of the detention cell did nothing to ease Stella’s suffering. The thin mattress beneath her was barely better than the cold, hard floor, and every movement sent waves of pain through her aching body.
She had been feeling weak since the moment they locked her up, but as the days dragged on, it worsened. Her limbs felt heavy, her throat was parched, and every breath came out in slow, ragged gasps.
She pressed a trembling hand to her forehead—it was burning. Her body was betraying her, consumed by a fever that had taken hold after nights of shivering in the cold, damp air of the cell.
A low, pained groan escaped her lips as she tried to sit up, but dizziness struck her like a hammer. The room spun, the dim lights overhead blurring into streaks of white.
Stella squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to stay conscious, but it was useless. Her strength was slipping away.
A sharp cough racked through her chest, leaving her even weaker than before. Her vision darkened at the edges.
She barely heard the clanking of footsteps approaching her cell before the world tilted and went black.
THUD!
The sound of a body hitting the floor sent an alert officer rushing to the bars. His brows furrowed when he saw Stella crumpled on the ground, her face unnaturally pale, her body motionless.
"Shit! Swift!" he called out, but there was no response.
Another officer hurried over. "What’s going on?"
"She collapsed," the first officer said, already fumbling for his keys. Within seconds, the cell door screeched open, and they rushed inside.
One officer knelt beside Stella, pressing two fingers to her neck. His expression darkened. "She’s burning up. Fever’s bad—she’s barely breathing."
Another officer pulled out his radio. "We need a medic in here! Call an ambulance!"
The quiet tension of the holding area suddenly turned chaotic as officers scrambled into action.
But Stella lay there, unmoving, unaware of the commotion surrounding her.
---
Swift Family’s Residence.
A few Hours Later...
Stephanie sat in the living room, flipping through a business magazine when her phone vibrated beside her. She glanced at the screen and saw Detective Woods’ name on it.
Letting out a quiet sigh, she swiped her finger across the screen and answered. "Good morning, Detective."
"Good morning, Chairwoman. There’s been an incident," Detective Woods revealed without preamble. "Stella Swift collapsed in her cell earlier today and was taken to the hospital."
Stephanie’s fingers stilled over the page she was turning. Her expression remained unreadable as she leaned back in her chair. "Is she still alive?"
"She has a high fever," Detective Woods replied, his tone even. He wasn’t surprised Stephanie would wish her sister-in-law dead. But, after a brief hesitation, he added, "There were also some... marks on her back."
Stephanie’s brows lifted slightly. Marks? She had no interest in whatever had happened to Stella before or after her arrest, and she certainly wasn’t going to feign sympathy now.
Her brother’s killer deserved every horrible thing on earth upon them.
"I don’t need the details," she said, cutting him off before he could elaborate. "Thank you for informing me."
She was about to end the call when she remembered something more important. "And about Olivia," she continued. "Make sure she doesn’t see her mother before the trial."
"You don’t have to worry about that, ma’am," Detective Woods assured her. "She won’t be allowed in."
Stephanie smiled faintly. "Good. Have a nice day, Detective."
She ended the call and placed the phone down, her fingers tapping lightly against the table. A few seconds later, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor made her look up.
Olivia stepped into the living room, dressed in a sleeveless white dress that hugged her figure and stopped mid-thigh. A black Louis Vuitton bag hung on her arm. Her makeup was immaculate, her confidence unwavering—but Stephanie knew her well enough to see through the act.
"I’m going to visit my mother," Olivia announced, adjusting the strap of her bag.
Stephanie didn’t react. She merely tilted her head slightly before saying, "No one will let you see her." Her tone was calm, almost indifferent. "Not until after her first trial."
"I don’t care," Olivia snapped. "I’m going to try again."
Stephanie simply watched as Olivia turned on her heel and strutted out of the room, her designer heels clicking with determination.
The moment Olivia was gone, Stephanie picked up her phone once again. She scrolled through her contacts before pressing a number.
A familiar voice answered after the second ring.
"Good morning, Doctor," Stephanie said, her lips curving into a small smile. "Do you have some time this afternoon?"
Then the doctor said something that made Stephanie let out a soft chuckle. "We will chat about the details when you come over."
While Olivia was busy chasing ghosts, Stephanie was busy making plans for her.
Chapter 270: A Psychiatrist
The walls of the police station were suffocating. The smell of stale coffee and cheap disinfectant lingered in the air, mixing with the quiet murmurs of officers shuffling through paperwork.
Olivia stood at the front desk, her fingers drumming impatiently against the counter.
"I want to see my mother," she said firmly, barely masking the irritation in her voice.
The officer behind the desk barely spared her a glance. "Ms. Swift, we’ve been through this before. You are not permitted to see her before her trial."
Olivia clenched her fists, frustration bubbling beneath her skin. "And why the hell not? She’s my mother!"
The officer sighed, looking as if he’d rather be anywhere but here. "Orders from above. No exceptions."
Before Olivia could snap back, a familiar voice interrupted.
"Ms. Swift," Detective Woods called as he approached. His expression was neutral, but there was something in his gaze that made Olivia pause. "Causing a scene won’t change anything."
Olivia turned to face him fully. "Detective, I haven’t seen my mother in weeks. As her child, do I not have any right to be concerned? You won’t let me see her. I don’t even know how she’s doing!"
Detective Woods studied her for a moment before responding. "Your mother collapsed this morning. She had a high fever, but she’s receiving treatment currently."
Olivia felt her breath hitch slightly. She hadn’t expected that. She was caught between two emotions—hatred for what her mother had done and pity for the woman who had raised her.
Currently, she had no family member who genuinely loved her by her side, so it was normal for her to be at a loss on what to do.
Olivia swallowed hard, blinking rapidly, but a single tear still managed to escape the corner of her eye.
Detective Woods sighed, his voice softer this time. "I know this isn’t easy for you, but for now, she needs rest. No one is allowed to see her. However," he added, "if there’s something you want to tell her, I can pass on a message. Even a letter, if you prefer."
Olivia flicked the tear from her cheek with a single finger. Her resolve hardened again. She refused to look weak in front of anyone or be soft-hearted towards the mother who killed her father.
"That won’t be necessary," she said, straightening her posture. "I’ll come back after her first trial."
Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heels and walked out of the station, her mind whirling with conflicting emotions.
She needed an escape.
---
An Hour Later – Japanese Restaurant.
The scent of grilled meat, simmering broths, and fresh sushi filled the air, but Olivia didn’t care about any of it. She had booked a private room, far from the curious stares of the public.
When the waiter brought out her orders—an extravagant spread of sushi, yakitori, tempura, and a steaming bowl of udon—she wasted no time.
She picked up her chopsticks and began eating with quiet fury. One bite after another, barely tasting the delicate flavors on her tongue.
She wasn’t hungry.
She wasn’t even sure why she had ordered so much food.
But with every bite, she tried to swallow down her anger, her pain, her frustration.
Her mother was a murderer. The police wouldn’t let her see her. And on top of everything else, she was alone.
No one truly cared.
Olivia’s stomach twisted, but she kept eating. If she stopped now, the emotions she was trying so hard to suppress would take over.
She wasn’t ready for that.
Not yet.
---
Swift Family Residence.
Stephanie swirled her wine glass lightly, the rich red liquid catching the dim light of the chandelier. Seated across from her was a refined-looking woman in her mid-forties, dressed in an elegant ivory blouse and beige slacks. Her gaze was sharp yet warm, the kind of look that made people feel like they were being analyzed even when she was smiling.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Freya," Stephanie said smoothly, taking a sip from her glass.
The psychiatrist, Dr. Freya Williams, smiled knowingly. "I was intrigued when you mentioned your niece. From what you’ve told me, it sounds like she needs intervention before things spiral too far."
Stephanie nodded in agreement just as the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor made them both turn toward the entrance.
Olivia walked into the living room, her sharp gaze instantly landing on the unfamiliar woman sitting with her aunt. She had never seen her before, and considering Stephanie never entertained guests, curiosity flickered in her eyes.
Stephanie, ever the composed one, smiled at her niece. "Olivia, you’re back."
Olivia raised a brow. "Who’s this?"
Stephanie leaned back slightly, her smile widening. "Dr. Freya Williams, a close friend of mine. She’s a psychiatrist."
Olivia’s expression darkened immediately. A psychiatrist? Something about this didn’t feel right.
Before she could question it, Stephanie continued smoothly, "And she’s here for you."
Olivia’s stomach twisted. "What do you mean?" she asked warily.
Stephanie tilted her head slightly, observing her with the same sharp gaze she always used when she was two steps ahead. "I mean, your behaviour lately has been... concerning. You need professional help."
Olivia scoffed and folded her arms. "I don’t need any damn help."
Dr. Williams merely observed, not taking offence. She had dealt with countless defensive patients before. Olivia was no different.
Stephanie, however, took a sip of her wine before saying, "Olivia, let’s not be dramatic. Your actions in the past few weeks have proven that you need guidance. And I’m giving you the opportunity to get it before things become irreversible."
Olivia’s nails dug into her palms. "I don’t need a shrink," she bit out.
Stephanie sighed and placed her glass down. "Fine. You don’t need help. Then I suppose someone else will have to take your position at Vintage Cellar."
Olivia’s entire body went rigid.
"I can’t let anyone who doesn’t have any control over their emotions and image be given a seat on my company’s board of directors." Stephanie’s smile didn’t waver. "Your choice."
Silence filled the room, thick with tension. Olivia’s lips parted slightly as if she wanted to argue, but nothing came out.
"You’re blackmailing me," Olivia accused.
Stephanie leaned forward slightly, her expression unreadable. "I’m giving you a second chance to reclaim what you think is yours. In the future, don’t ever say I didn’t."
Olivia’s fists clenched. Beyond reasonable doubt, she was a little bit concerned that her Aunt would go out of her way to care about her mental health and even link her up with a doctor friend.
She needed time to think deeply, but there was no point fighting this—she had been completely cornered, and returning to her position at her father’s company was more important to her than anything at the moment.
Olivia knew Stephanie wasn’t bluffing when she said someone else would take over her position. After all, her two children would be here in a few days, and it was only a matter of time before she gave them roles in Vintage Cellar.
After a long pause, she exhaled sharply and muttered, "Fine."
Stephanie’s smile returned in full force. "Wonderful." Then she turned to Dr. Williams. "Freya, what do you think? Can we start tomorrow?"
Dr. Williams gave a small nod. "It’s a bit soon, but I will adjust my schedule."
She reached into her purse and retrieved a crisp, white business card, extending it toward Olivia. "We’ll begin tomorrow. Call my office before noon."
Olivia snatched the card and turned away, marching out of the living room without another word.
Stephanie watched her go, taking another slow sip of her wine.
Dr. Williams chuckled lightly. "She’s fiery."
Stephanie put her glass away and said, "Let’s hope it won’t become a problem later."