Ch. 291..295: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 291-295
Chapter 291: Severing Ties
"I don’t think you will be able to stop your Aunt when she starts fighting to let her children take over the company. And you and I wouldn’t have the opportunity to sit like this often to strategize in the future..."
Olivia scoffed inwardly. She thought her mother was a joke for thinking that she would ever agree to work with her in this lifetime.
Regardless, she continued to listen, wanting to understand the idea she had.
"You will need to get help from Major Walker," Stella revealed. She went on to talk about how the Major, for old-time sake, will help her retain her position and rights during her fight with Stephanie later on.
Thinking that Olivia was listening attentively, Stella continued on a more serious note, teaching her how to approach Major Walker and get him to help her.
After Stella was done, she thought of a very important matter and couldn’t help emphasizing on it.
Lowering her tone, she said hurriedly, knowing that her chat time with Olivia was over, "Don’t let Aurora know about the Major being her birth father. I won’t let her find out till the end."
Stella bit her lower lip as she clenched her fingers. She had lost far too much over this particular matter to give in to it. She would rather die with that secret than let Aurora find out.
Let it be a punishment onto her.
Olivia held her mother’s serious gaze for three seconds before bursting into laughter. The situation was so funny to her. Despite everything, her mother had refused to learn from her past mistakes.
Also, didn’t she think it was too late to make that request?
On the other hand, Stella was taken aback by her sudden outburst and wondered which part of her statement was funny. She was saying something important that shouldn’t be joked about here, so where was the opportunity to laugh about it?
"What’s funny?" Stella asked, unable to keep calm.
Olivia didn’t answer until she had had enough fun laughing at her. Then, she checked the time on her wristwatch, and seeing that it was getting late, she grabbed her bag.
"It’s too late. Aurora already knows," Olivia revealed with mockery.
"W-what?" Stella stammered as disbelief mixed with shock contoured her face. "What do you mean she knows? How did she find out?"
Olivia rolled her eyes as the questions started coming. Left for her, she would have loved to drill her mother before telling the truth or completely leave her in the dark. Unfortunately, she hadn’t the time today.
So, without any sign of remorse or regret, she revealed further, "I told her the truth."
Stella’s lips parted a few times, but no words would come out. She was shocked by that revelation and tried to wrap her head around it.
"Well, she deceived me first during her time as the mysterious ’Mrs. Scott’. That was how I revealed everything to her with the intention to curry favour."
Olivia rose to her feet and pushed her chair away with the back of her knees, intending to leave. But as she tried to walk past her mother, she grabbed her by the wrist, stopping her in her steps.
Slowly, their gazes met, one composed while the other, twisted.
"You fool!" Stella cursed out, unable to hold her rage in. And she had every right to be mad.
She remembered how much she had warned Olivia back then never to reveal the truth to Aurora, even by mistake. But the last straw was when she remembered asking Olivia if she had told Mrs. Scott about Aurora’s secret. At that time, Olivia had denied everything. But who knew she actually did it and came to lie behind her back?
"Your mother only had one instruction for you, but you couldn’t keep to it. Now, you have no information left to have leverage against her. Now, who is going to help you?"
Stella felt that now that Aurora was aware of her birth father’s identity, Olivia couldn’t go to Manor Walker to ask for help.
Olivia snatched her arm out of her mother’s grasp as anger clouded her mind. She wasn’t going to let her turn the situation around.
"You are the Genesis and the Revelation of this situation, so don’t try to put it on me. Your mistake caused us so much, yet, instead of repenting in guilt, you’re looking for who to blame."
Stella stood up from her feet. She didn’t bother keeping appearances or trying to be kind anymore and tried to turn the situation around. Sadly for her, Olivia had nothing more to gain from her.
In fact, she had come today to sever all ties with her, and she did just that.
"Don’t expect a visit from me ever again unless you are ready to confess your sins and ask me for mercy. From today, we will go our separate ways. Don’t ask about me. And if you’re truly a mother who claims to love her daughter, you will protect her the right way."
Olivia was very clear with her message. She didn’t want to give her mother the chance to do wrong in the name of protecting her, so she made sure to state the word right in her statement.
She didn’t want to be used as a silly excuse to cover up a crime.
Having made her stance clear, Olivia walked out of the room without looking back just as two policemen walked in to take Stella.
On the other hand, Stella refused to accept the situation and shouted at Olivia to come back, asking her how dare she walk out on her after ruining her plans, but not even a glance came from her.
Stella tried to go after her, but was immediately blocked by the policemen who had come to take her away. She struggled to escape from their grasp but failed. In the end, she was dragged away without mercy.
As soon as Olivia left the police station, she took a deep breath. Next, she fixed her sunshades and adjusted her scarf before walking towards her car.
Chapter 292: Tea Time’s Latest Article
A few days later, Ivy read Tea Time’s latest article and came to understand all the juices and fun she had been missing all her life.
In the end, she couldn’t keep it to herself and had her brother take a look at it despite his disinterest.
"My heart goes out to Olivia. She must be going through a lot," Ivy said, sipping a glass of juice. "I wonder if she would survive a heart attack after seeing this."
Damien glanced at her disapprovingly. "Why would you wish ill of your cousin because she was rude to you one time?"
Ivy scoffed. "I’m not wishing ill of her. This is my way of sympathising with her."
Damien held her gaze for a moment before shaking his head. "You have to be mindful of your thoughts. You are starting to act like Olivia."
"God forbid! I am nothing like her!" Ivy rejected the claims and went back to reading the gossip article for more details.
---
TEA TIME GOSSIP: THE SWIFT FAMILY SAGA CONTINUES & A PLAYBOY RESURFACES.
Hello, gossip lovers! It’s your favourite tea spiller, back with the latest scandalous updates that will leave your jaws on the floor!
If you thought Wing City’s drama had reached its peak—think again! Because the Swift family’s skeletons just keep tumbling out of the closet, and we are living for it!
STELLA SWIFT: A MURDERESS IN DESIGNER HEELS?
If you’ve been following our updates, then you already know that Stella Swift—the once-elegant socialite and matriarch of the Swift family—has officially earned herself a new title: Wing City’s Most Notorious Femme Fatale.
What’s the latest, you ask? Well, it has now been confirmed that Stella did, in fact, unalive her own husband, Adam Swift, on the night of their daughter Olivia’s wedding. Yes, darlings, you read that right—on her own daughter’s special day!
But that’s not all. Stella is currently facing a three-count felony charge that includes:
Conspiracy to commit murderObstruction of justice First-degree murder
And if you think she was a remorseful widow in court, think again! This woman walked into that courtroom in an orange jumpsuit like it was the latest Prada collection and had the audacity to plead NOT GUILTY. We have no choice but to laugh.
The turn of events was shocking, even for us seasoned gossip lovers. We knew the Swift family had secrets, but a full-blown power struggle, assassination plots, and courtroom showdowns? This is some high-budget drama series level of storytelling, and we’re here for every second of it!
Which makes us wonder...
If THIS is what’s happening in the Swift household, what about the Scott family? Are they hiding some deep, dark secrets too? After all, every wealthy family seems to have a few bodies buried somewhere... (figuratively... we hope!)
But before we dive deeper into the Swift Family Scandals...
GUESS WHO JUST CRAWLED BACK INTO THE SPOTLIGHT?
Ladies and gentlemen, the legendary, infamous, can’t-keep-his-pants-zipped playboy of Wing City has returned from the abyss!
That’s right! Victor, the man who has likely broken more hearts than there are stars in the sky, was spotted at a high-end nightclub last night, surrounded by his usual entourage of women and fellow troublemakers.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Where the hell has Victor been all this time?
Did he go on a spiritual retreat to cleanse himself of his questionable lifestyle? (Doubtful!)Did he finally get caught up in a scandalous affair and go into hiding? Or was he simply busy running from all the women he ghosted?
No one knows! But one thing is for sure: Victor is back, and it looks like he’s wasting no time slipping back into his old habits. Buckle up, ladies!
THE WAIT FOR STELLA’S SENTENCING CONTINUES...
While the city recovers from the bombshell of Stella’s trial, we are all anxiously awaiting her second court hearing.
Will the judge throw the book at her? Or will she somehow slither her way out of this mess? (We doubt it, but hey—money talks!)
One thing’s for certain: We hope the court gives her a punishment befitting her crimes because, let’s be honest, she deserves every ounce of karma coming her way!
Now, we leave it to you, our dear readers. What are YOUR thoughts? Drop your comments below!
--
COMMENT SECTION EXPLOSION
**@RealTeaSipper**: "Olivia’s life is in shambles! Failed marriage? Check. Divorce disaster? Check. Career in the trash? Check. And now she’s walking around with the title ’murderer’s daughter’? Girl, just pack your bags and leave Wing City. There’s nothing left for you here. "
**@NoPityForSnakes**: "I don’t feel even a tiny bit bad for Olivia. She spent years looking down on people, acting like she was the Queen of Wing City. Now? She’s the laughingstock of high society. Karma is a patient queen!"
**@ShadyTruth**: "Is it just me, or does anyone else think Stephanie is playing a long game? She moved into the Swift mansion, brought her kids in, and is slowly pushing Olivia out. If Stella thought she was the only power-hungry woman in that family, she was DEAD wrong."
**@Victor’sEx#14**: "Y’all are talking about Stella when we should be talking about VICTOR ’The Walking Red Flag’. WHERE HAS HE BEEN?? I bet he went for plastic surgery to change his face so his exes don’t recognize him."
**@JusticeForAurora**: "Poor Aurora. Imagine going through all this. I hope Xander is treating her like the queen she is!"
**@OliviaTakeNotes**: "Someone tell Olivia that with no job and no money left, she might wanna start removing those implants before they start sagging. Ain’t no sugar daddy sponsoring that maintenance anymore."
**@VictorIsTrash**: "I don’t care about Stella. What I NEED to know is who Victor is dating now so I can warn her. That man collects women like they’re Pokémon cards."
**@WhoDidThis**: "Let’s be honest: Stella’s sentencing should include Olivia getting a brain transplant. That girl is as dumb as a brick."
--
Phew! What a mess! What do YOU think, dear readers?
Is Olivia’s downfall well-deserved or too harsh? What punishment should Stella receive? And where the hell has Victor been hiding?!
Drop your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more hot tea!
Chapter 293: Old Mrs. Scott Visits
The scent of fresh roses and vanilla drifted through the air as Aurora stepped into the sitting room. She had expected a quiet afternoon, but instead, she found herself face-to-face with an unexpected guest—Old Mrs. Scott.
The elderly matriarch sat elegantly on the plush couch, her sharp yet warm eyes immediately falling on Aurora. Aurora noticed something different about her today. A glow of quiet excitement lingered around the older woman as if she had just unraveled a long-kept secret.
"Aurora, my dear," Old Mrs. Scott greeted her, her voice carrying both affection and mischief. "Come sit with me."
Aurora approached, smiling warmly. "Ma, what brings you here today?"
The old lady patted the seat beside her, and as soon as Aurora sat down, she took her hands and studied her intently.
"You look... different," she noted with certainty. Then, her lips curled into a knowing smile. "You’re pregnant, aren’t you?"
Aurora blinked, momentarily stunned. "How—?"
Before she could finish, Old Mrs. Scott laughed lightly. "Nothing escapes these eyes."
Just then, the sound of the front door unlocking drew their attention.
Xander stepped into the house, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto the sight of his mother sitting comfortably in his living room, engaged in a cheerful conversation with his wife.
For a brief moment, surprise flickered across his face. His mother rarely dropped by unannounced, and she has never visited since he got married. But seeing the warmth in her expression as she chatted with Aurora, he felt nothing but fondness.
"Mama," he greeted, walking over. He took her hand gently, placed a respectful kiss on the back of it, and then rested her palm against his forehead—a deep gesture of honour and filial respect.
"Alex," Old Mrs. Scott said with an approving nod.
Xander then turned to Aurora, leaning in to press a lingering kiss on her forehead. "How was your day?" he asked.
"Eventful," Aurora murmured with a small smile.
Xander barely had time to settle beside her before his mother’s expression turned stern.
"Alexander Scott," she said, her voice carrying the weight of authority.
Xander’s brow arched slightly. "Yes, Mama?"
Old Mrs. Scott folded her arms. "How long were you planning to keep this news from me?"
Xander exchanged glances with Aurora, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "What news?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
"Don’t play games with me, young man," she scolded, narrowing her eyes. "You know what I’m talking about. Would you have continued keeping it a secret if I hadn’t come to visit today?"
A deep chuckle rumbled from Xander’s chest. "Ah. That news." He took Aurora’s hand in his, interlacing their fingers. "We weren’t hiding it from you, Mama. We were waiting for the first trimester to pass before announcing it."
Old Mrs. Scott sighed dramatically. "You should know better than to try and hide things from me."
She then shifted the conversation, her expression turning thoughtful. "December is approaching fast, and as you know, our family’s yearly vacation is a tradition we must uphold."
Aurora listened attentively as the old lady went on to talk about their upcoming destination, how long they would be staying, and all the grand arrangements being made.
"But," she added, turning her wise gaze to Aurora, "since you’re expecting, we need to make some adjustments. We must ensure that you are comfortable and not overstressed."
The thoughtfulness touched Aurora. "Thank you for considering me, Ma."
Xander smiled as he watched his mother fuss over his wife. "You must be excited," he teased. "You’re finally getting a grandchild from me."
Old Mrs. Scott’s face lit up with pride. "Oh, you have no idea. I cannot wait to hold my grandchild in my arms."
The conversation shifted again, and Old Mrs. Scott inquired about the company’s upcoming 40th anniversary celebration.
Xander explained the plans in detail, discussing the grand event, the special touches they were adding, and the strategies in place to make it unforgettable. His mother nodded in approval, suggesting a few elegant refinements that he immediately took note of.
Once business was out of the way, Old Mrs. Scott turned her attention back to her son.
"You must take care of your wife properly," she advised, her tone laced with motherly wisdom. "Pregnancy is no easy task."
Xander nodded. "Of course."
"You were a difficult birth, you know," she continued, her voice turning nostalgic. "The labour lasted over twenty hours. I thought I wouldn’t make it and had an instant regret for listening to your father to try for another child!"
Aurora’s eyes widened slightly. "Twenty hours?"
"At least," Old Mrs. Scott confirmed. "That’s why I always tell Xander—he owes me his life twice over!"
Xander smirked, squeezing Aurora’s hand gently. "Noted, Mother. And I promise to take good care of my wife."
Old Mrs. Scott beamed in satisfaction before turning back to Aurora. "I will send you health supplements and nutritious soups to keep your strength up. Cooking is my expertise, you know."
Aurora felt warmth bloom in her chest. "That’s very sweet of you, Ma, but you don’t need to trouble yourself. Standing in the kitchen for hours could strain your back."
"Nonsense," Old Mrs. Scott dismissed with a wave of her hand. "I know how to take care of myself, dear. You just focus on taking care of my grandchild. My son will take care of you."
A hearty chuckle escaped from Aurora. "I will, Mother."
The old lady patted Aurora’s hand one last time before standing. "I will visit again before our vacation," she promised.
Xander and Aurora walked her outside, where her car awaited.
Like the perfect gentleman he was, Xander opened the door for his mother, holding it as she stepped inside gracefully. Once she was settled, he closed it gently and took a step back.
Together, he and Aurora waved as the car pulled away, disappearing down the driveway.
Hand in hand, the couple strolled back inside.
As they ascended the staircase, Aurora suddenly turned to him. "Do I look different?"
Xander tilted his head. "Not at all. Why?"
She pursed her lips. "Your mother took one look at me and instantly knew I was pregnant. And I was wearing a loose shirt!"
Xander chuckled. "Sweetheart, my mother has lived a long time. She has experience. It’s no surprise she figured it out just by looking at your face."
Aurora hummed in thought. "But does that mean my body is changing in ways I haven’t noticed? I check myself in the mirror every day, and apart from my bump, I don’t see anything different."
Xander smirked mischievously. "Well, the only way to find out would be for me to thoroughly inspect certain areas and see if you’ve put on some weight."
Aurora’s eyes narrowed. Before he could react, she playfully slapped his arm.
"Pervert," she muttered, glaring at him.
Xander chuckled, completely unbothered. "As your husband, it’s my duty to conduct such research," he teased, winking.
Aurora rolled her eyes and walked ahead, hiding a smile on her lips.
Chapter 294: Asher Goes On a Blind Date
The elegant chandeliers of the five-star diner cast a golden glow over the polished floors, and the soft hum of classical music filled the air. The restaurant was bustling with well-dressed patrons, each engaged in quiet, sophisticated conversations.
But Asher? Asher was stuck in a nightmare.
Seated at a private booth near the floor-to-ceiling windows, he swirled the wine in his glass absentmindedly, glancing at his watch for the third time in the last ten minutes.
Twenty minutes late.
The blind date his mother forced on him was twenty minutes late.
And just when he was considering whether to walk out and tell his mother that this whole ’give-me-a-grandchild’ mission was a horrendous idea, a feminine voice rang from behind him.
"Asher Moore?"
He looked up just as a tall, striking woman in a form-fitting red dress sauntered towards him. She had the effortless grace of a runway model—because, well, she was one. Audrey—his blind date.
But the moment she opened her mouth, whatever charm she had shattered instantly.
"I know, I’m late," she said, flipping her long, silky hair over her shoulder. "I overslept."
Asher arched a brow, waiting for an apology that never came.
Nothing. Not even a sheepish smile.
Still, because he was raised to be a gentleman, he stood and pulled out her seat. "You overslept? At 7 PM?" he asked casually.
Audrey laughed like it was the funniest thing in the world. "Ugh, don’t judge me! I had a really exhausting week—photoshoots in Milan, a private yacht party in Monaco, and then, of course, catching up on my beauty sleep. I deserve it."
Asher forced a smile. "Right. Of course."
He took his seat and signalled for the waiter. This was already going to be a long night.
As soon as Audrey got comfortable, she never stopped talking.
"Oh my God, you won’t believe what happened at my last show in Paris. One of the models literally tripped on the runway, and it was so embarrassing. Thank God that has never happened to me! Can you imagine? A model like me falling? Impossible."
Asher took a slow sip of his wine. She never even asked him a question.
Audrey continued without pause, gesturing dramatically. "Then there’s this brand in New York that’s dying to sign me, but I’m holding out for better offers, you know? I mean, I need to be paid what I’m worth. These designers don’t appreciate how much work it takes to look this good!"
She batted her lashes at Asher, waiting for praise.
He gave her a blank stare.
The waiter arrived, sparing him for a moment. They placed their orders, and as soon as the waiter left, she was at it again.
"Speaking of good looks, did I tell you that Vogue called me last week? They want me for their next issue. Vogue! Can you believe it?"
Asher hummed noncommittally.
Audrey went on, completely missing his disinterest.
"Oh! And let’s not even talk about my followers. 3.2 million on Instagram! And they just keep growing! I mean, people love me. I can’t even go shopping in peace anymore without someone stopping me for a selfie!"
Asher resisted the urge to rub his temples. She was insufferable.
He tried to tolerate her, really. But when dinner finally arrived, and she continued blabbering with no regard for whether he was even listening, he decided he had suffered enough.
Subtly, he pulled out his phone under the table and texted the only person who could save him from this torture.
Asher: Call me in 2 minutes. Emergency.
Xander: Are you in trouble?
Asher: Yes. The worst kind. A date.
Xander: Understood.
Asher smirked and set his phone down. Two minutes. He just had to last two more minutes.
Audrey, completely unaware, was still talking.
"...and then my ex had the audacity to call me last week. Can you believe it? I told him, ’Honey, you lost the best thing that ever happened to you, and there’s no going back!’ Ugh, men are so desperate."
Asher’s phone rang. He let out a breath of relief.
"Excuse me," he cut her off mid-sentence, holding up a hand. "I need to take this."
He answered in the most serious business tone he could muster.
"Yes? Understood. I’ll be there soon." He nodded along, faking a deep frown. "I’ll handle it immediately."
Ending the call, he turned to Audrey, forcing an apologetic look. "Something urgent just came up at work. I have to leave."
Audrey blinked. "What? But—"
"Enjoy the rest of your evening," he cut in smoothly, standing and grabbing his coat.
"Wait! When are we going to meet again?" she pouted.
Asher was already walking away. "We’ll see."
Spoiler alert: They would never see each other again.
---
The second Asher slid into the backseat of his car, he sighed. "Drive."
As the vehicle pulled away, he leaned back against the seat and pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts until he found Abigail’s name. With a smirk, he dialled.
After two rings, she picked up. "Asher? To what do I owe this rare honour of a late-night call?"
He chuckled. "I just left a date. And not just any date. The worst one of my life."
Abigail laughed instantly. "Let me guess. Your mother’s arrangement?"
"Bingo." He sighed dramatically. "Apparently, she wants a grandchild by next year, so now she’s throwing every single woman at me like I’m some auctioned prize."
Abigail snorted. "I pity you."
"You should. Tonight, she set me up with some international model—Audrey. She was beautiful, sure. But my God, she wouldn’t shut up!"
Abigail burst into laughter. "How bad was it?"
"I don’t even think she knows what my voice sounds like," Asher said dryly. "She talked non-stop. About herself, her fans, her Instagram followers, her photoshoots. I could have walked out mid-dinner, and she still wouldn’t have noticed."
Abigail laughed harder. "Serves you right. Maybe now you’ll finally settle down."
"Actually, I have an idea," Asher said smoothly. "I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend."
She immediately shut it down. "Absolutely not."
"Think about it. If I introduce you to my mother as my girlfriend, she’ll back off for a while. I’ll be free from these horrible dates, and you—well, you get the privilege of being seen with me."
Abigail snorted. "I don’t do fake dating anymore, Asher."
He smirked. "I’ll make it worth your while. Perks included."
"I also don’t do flings anymore, no matter the perks," she shot back.
Asher exhaled deeply. "Damn. I didn’t expect you to refuse me so quickly."
"Never underestimate me," Abigail teased. "Now, enjoy the rest of your night—alone. I need to speak to Aura about girls’ stuff."
She hung up.
Asher stared at his phone before chuckling. "She didn’t fall for it."
Chapter 295: Olivia Returns to Vintage Cellar
TWO WEEKS LATER...
Olivia finally stepped her foot inside Vintage Cellar amidst her mother’s ongoing second trial.
And now, as she strutted through the entrance in her red-bottom heels, chin lifted high, it was as if she had never left.
The sleek marble floors gleamed under the bright office lights, but despite the usual hum of business, a peculiar tension settled in the air.
People were avoiding her.
Staff who once scurried to greet her now scattered like frightened mice at the sight of her approaching. Employees who had no choice but to pass by her kept their heads down, pretending to be engrossed in their phones or paperwork.
Her reputation as a tyrant had long been established. And honestly? She didn’t care.
---
Olivia walked into her office and let out a pleased hum. Nothing had changed.
The grand, modern space still exuded power—the polished mahogany desk, the towering bookshelves filled with expensive collector’s editions, the floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Wing City’s skyline.
But more than anything, she missed the feeling of sitting behind that desk.
With a satisfied smile, she strode towards the large leather chair and lowered herself into it. Eyes fluttering shut, she whispered, "It’s good to be back."
Then, exhaling deeply, she sank further into her chair, allowing herself a moment of triumph. This was her domain.
Then, a thought suddenly struck her.
Fishing her phone out of her designer bag, Olivia unlocked it and opened her camera. She posed—tilting her chin slightly, giving her best ’power woman’ expression.
Click.
She checked the photo, but didn’t like it. Then she took another, and it still wasn’t good enough.
She sighed, wondering if it was the lighting or the stress of the past few weeks that had finally taken a toll on her appearance.
Determined and refusing to back down, she went for Snapchat filters.
With a few taps, she found a filter that brightened her skin and softened her features just enough while maintaining a natural look.
Click.
Perfect.
She immediately switched to Instagram, reactivating her account that had been temporarily deactivated during her mother’s scandal.
Her followers had decreased, no thanks to those gossip blogs ruining her reputation. Regardless, she promised to get them back now that she had decided to live her life to the fullest.
After selecting two of her best photos, she captioned them: "It’s good to be back, to make something meaningful out of my life."
With a smirk, she hit Post and locked her phone.
Let the world know—Olivia Swift was back.
---
By lunchtime, Olivia realized something strange.
Not a single document had been sent to her. No emails requiring her signature. Not even an intern knocking on her door for approval.
Frowning, she tapped her nails against the desk. Something wasn’t right.
She had expected cold stares. She had even expected a little office gossip at her expense.
But to be ignored completely? That, she could not tolerate.
Rising from her seat, Olivia grabbed her handbag and made her way to the CEO’s office.
---
When Olivia stepped into her Aunt’s office, the older woman was on a call, her tone sharp yet composed as she spoke to a business associate.
Without waiting to be invited, Olivia helped herself to one of the seats in front of the massive desk.
Stephanie glanced at her briefly before continuing her conversation.
Olivia crossed her legs and waited patiently. She had all the time in the world.
After a minute or two, Stephanie ended the call and set the receiver down. Folding her hands, she regarded Olivia with a cool gaze.
"What brings you here?"
Olivia arched a brow. "I’ve been back since morning, but no work has been brought to me. What’s going on?"
Stephanie leaned back in her chair, expression unreadable. "Aurora has been handling all your tasks since you left."
Olivia scoffed. "Well, I’m back now. My tasks should be returned to me."
Stephanie exhaled. "It will be sorted out by tomorrow."
Tomorrow?
Olivia’s frown deepened. "I can’t sit idly for the rest of the day, Aunt. I need work."
Stephanie gave her a pointed look. "Then fill yourself in on what the company has been up to in your absence. You will need that new knowledge to function at your fullest."
Olivia’s lips curled into a smirk. "Alright. I’ll do just that."
Without another word, she stood abruptly. Stephanie watched her with mild surprise.
"Where are you going?"
Olivia smirked. "To ask Aurora, of course."
Stephanie blinked. She hadn’t meant for her to do that. But Olivia was already out the door.
---
Olivia who had been eager for this opportunity, knocked twice on the door with a ’COO’ plate on it. Next, she pushed the door to Aurora’s office without waiting for a response.
Aurora, who was hunched over a stack of documents, looked up. Seeing Olivia standing there uninvited, her brows furrowed in mild irritation.
What does she want now?
Without hesitation, Olivia strode inside and made herself comfortable in the chair opposite Aurora’s desk.
Aurora didn’t acknowledge her presence. She merely turned back to her papers, flipping through the pages as if Olivia wasn’t even there.
The silence stretched.
Olivia drummed her fingers against the desk, waiting for Aurora to acknowledge her. But when she realized that it wasn’t going to happen even in her wildest dreams, she conceded.
Annoyed, she finally spoke. "I heard you were handling my tasks while I was gone."
Aurora didn’t even look up this time. "I’m busy, Olivia. If you don’t cut to the chase, I will walk you out myself."
Olivia sneered. She couldn’t be bothered by her threats.
"Aunt told me to familiarize myself with what’s been going on in the company. Since you were handling my work, you should fill me in."
Aurora finally looked up again, her sharp gaze locking onto Olivia’s.
"Have you forgotten you left a team behind? Go to them," she said simply. "They will brief you."
Olivia’s expression darkened. "You were handling my work. You’re the best person to—"
"I don’t have time for this," Aurora cut in sharply, picking up another document and flipping the page. "If you’re serious about catching up, talk to your team. If you’re just here to waste my time, you can leave."
Olivia’s jaw clenched. She hated how easily Aurora brushed her off. But she wasn’t going to sit here and beg for information since she had made her presence known.
With a huff, she stood. Then she turned on her heel and stormed out without another word.
Meanwhile, Aurora let out a small sigh and shook her head.
Olivia was back, which meant trouble wasn’t far.