Ch. 296..300: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 296-300
Chapter 296: An Article Specifically for Olivia
Later that same evening, the Tea Time Gossip Blog released an article specifically for Olivia, along with some interesting comments from netizens that proved just how much she was hated.
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Tea Time Gossip Blog: Olivia Swift is Back to Vintage Cellar... But Can She Really Make Something of Her Life?
"A few hours ago, the ever-scandalous Olivia Swift made an unexpected reappearance—this time, not at a courthouse, not in another messy social media feud, but at Vintage Cellar. Yes, folks, she has officially returned to her position after weeks of radio silence and an even messier family scandal.
And, as if to stamp her presence back into the public’s eye, Olivia made a bold move—she reactivated her Instagram.
Not one to shy away from dramatic flair, she posted two heavily filtered selfies (because, let’s be honest, the girl knows her angles) with the caption:
"It’s good to be back, to make something meaningful out of my life."
Now, we at Tea Time couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at that statement. Is Olivia truly ready to turn over a new leaf? Or is this just another one of her many empty declarations?
Let’s not forget—while she’s smiling and taking selfies in a luxury office, her mother, Stella Swift, is currently sitting through her second trial, facing multiple charges that could put her behind bars for a long, long time. One would expect Olivia to be more affected by the fact that her mother is about to receive a potential life sentence, but from the looks of it, she seems to have chosen to simply move on.
Which, honestly, isn’t a bad idea—if she means it.
Because let’s face it: Olivia has a track record. And considering that she is her mother’s daughter, the chances of her causing more chaos instead of "making something meaningful" out of her life are dangerously high.
But hey, maybe she’s changed? Maybe she’s finally learned her lesson?
What do you all think? Will Olivia Swift truly get her act together, or are we just waiting for the next inevitable scandal?
Drop your honest thoughts in the comment section below.
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Comment Section
@MilaLuvsDrama:
LMFAOOO, not Olivia trying to act brand new when her mother is literally on trial for murder. Girl, sit down.
@BitterButTrue:
"Making something meaningful out of my life"?? Ma’am, YOU are the problem! Let’s see how long this act lasts before she embarrasses herself again.
@SoftLily:
You guys are so mean. Maybe she really is trying to change? Give her a chance!
@SavageSophie:
A chance?? This woman snatched a man, ruined her own marriage, fought everyone in her life, and terrorized her workplace. Olivia changing is about as real as her Instagram filter.
@CEOwatcher:
She should be more worried about keeping her job. Everyone in Vintage Cellar probably hates her. Can’t imagine the tension in that office.
@ShadyDiva:
I actually hope she means what she says. Olivia is always at the center of drama, and I just want PEACE.
@MoneyMovesOnly:
What’s funnier? Olivia "focusing on her life" or the fact that NO ONE in her office wants to work with her? She might have to force people to give her tasks.
@TeaQueen:
Her mother is fighting for her life, and she’s out here taking selfies. No morals, no shame.
@BodyByPlastic:
She better start saving her money instead of buying handbags. Soon she won’t have a job OR anyone to fund her maintenance. Time to remove those implants, sis.
@WitnessedTheMess:
This is the same Olivia that was crying about her ruined life weeks ago?? Now she’s suddenly thriving? Somebody make it make sense.
@MadameKarma:
Olivia, the internet never forgets. You can post all the selfies you want, but we remember the foolery.
@JustObserving:
Let’s give her a month before the next meltdown. Anyone wanna place bets?
@LoyalToTheMess:
Listen, I don’t like Olivia, but I love the drama she brings. I’m keeping my notifications ON.
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And there you have it, folks! The internet has spoken. Some people are willing to give Olivia the benefit of the doubt, but the majority? Yeah, they’re just waiting for her next downfall.
Let’s hope, for Olivia’s sake, that she really does work hard and stay out of trouble.
Otherwise, we’ll be right here with the tea."
~Tea Time.
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The Swift Family Residence.
Steam still clung to the mirrors as Olivia stepped out of the bathroom, her silk bathrobe wrapped loosely around her damp skin. Her freshly washed hair cascaded over her shoulders as she padded barefoot across the plush carpet, heading straight for her phone.
The screen lit up with notifications, but one in particular caught her eye. Tea Time Blog.
Scoffing, Olivia tapped on the article, her sharp gaze skimming over the words.
"Olivia Swift is back... But Can She Really Make Something of Her Life?"
Her grip on the phone tightened. The audacity.
Her lips curled into a sneer as she scrolled through the piece, her expression darkening with every sentence. They made it sound like she was some washed-up nobody struggling to find her footing, like her return to her own father’s company was some miraculous second chance she barely deserved.
And the comments? Even worse.
Olivia let out a sharp exhale through her nose, clicking her tongue in irritation. "Pathetic nobodies," she muttered under her breath. "Tea Time, enjoy this slander while you can. Soon, you’ll have no choice but to post positive articles about me."
She tossed the phone onto the bed and crossed the room to her vanity, picking up a bottle of body lotion. As she massaged it into her skin, the familiar sound of her ringtone filled the room.
It was a group voice call from Ella, Caro and Rita.
Olivia glanced at the screen but didn’t move to answer. Instead, she let the phone ring, watching it vibrate on the bed. She wasn’t in the mood for idle chatter.
When the call finally ended, she sighed in relief—only for her phone to buzz again. This time, it was a message from Ella.
Ella:Congrats, babe! You’re back where you belong.
Olivia arched a brow, her fingers hovering over the screen. Before she could type a response, two more messages popped up.
Caro:Oliviaaa! Finally! Congratulations on reclaiming your place!
Rita:Queen is back! So happy for you, babe. We need to celebrate this!
Chapter 297: She Chose to Believe Him
Olivia’s expression softened just a little. At least some people still recognized her worth. Then, another message from Ella.
Ella:Let’s all meet up this Sunday to celebrate!
Olivia pursed her lips, considering. Did she want to go out? No.
Did she want to be surrounded by chatter and questions about her life? Definitely not.
She exhaled sharply and finally typed a reply.
Olivia:Thanks, girls. Appreciate it.
Then, after a pause, she added:
Olivia:Not sure about Sunday. I’ve got a busy schedule.
Within seconds, Rita responded.
Rita:Come on, Olivia. We haven’t seen you in forever! A quick get-together won’t hurt.
Olivia rolled her eyes, leaning back against the headboard.
Olivia:Fine. But I’m not promising anything.
A chorus of excited messages followed, but Olivia had already tossed her phone aside, reaching for her glass of wine on the nightstand.
She took a slow sip, eyes flickering back to her phone screen.
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Xander’s Private Residence.
The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm hue over the bedroom, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for winding down. A faint scent of lavender lingered in the air as Xander sat at the foot of the bed, his strong hands working gentle circles into Aurora’s feet with fragrant lavender oil.
Aurora, nestled comfortably against the pillows, had a pregnancy book open in her lap, her eyes scanning through a section on diet. The cool evening breeze drifted through the slightly open window, making the moment feel even more serene.
A small hum of satisfaction left Aurora’s lips as Xander kneaded the sole of her foot. "Mmm... if you keep doing this every night, I might start believing I married you for your hands."
Xander smirked but didn’t look up. "Oh? And here I thought it was my charm and devastating good looks."
Aurora chuckled lightly before turning a page in her book. "How was your day?" Xander asked, finally glancing up.
She exhaled. "Well, Olivia has officially returned to work."
At that, Xander arched a brow, his fingers pausing momentarily before resuming their slow movements. "And?"
"And she was exactly as stubborn and disruptive as expected," Aurora muttered, flipping another page. "She barged into my office, acting like she owned the place, demanding I fill her in on everything that had happened in the company while she was gone. When I told her to ask her team, she threw a fit and stormed out."
Xander let out a low chuckle, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Classic Olivia."
Aurora sighed dramatically. "I swear, she thrives on causing unnecessary trouble. And you should have seen the way she carried herself during lunch break, like the queen of the world. It’s like she forgot she was practically exiled from Vintage Cellar not too long ago."
Xander tilted his head. "Do you need help putting her in her place? I could have her completely removed from the company if you want."
Aurora shook her head immediately. "No, it’s not necessary. Let her play her little games. She will realize soon enough that she no longer holds as much power as she thinks."
Xander hummed in understanding. "Fair enough."
Once he was done massaging her feet, he wiped his hands with a small towel before crawling up to her side. Without a word, he lifted her shirt, revealing the small but obvious bump that was growing steadily each day.
Aurora didn’t even flinch at his actions; she had grown used to his fascination with her belly. But what made her pause was when he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against her skin, his warm breath fanning over her belly.
Then, in a low, deep voice, he whispered, "I’ve already started the countdown, little one. Just a few more months before you make your grand entrance."
Aurora, who had been following the words in her book, suddenly moved it away from her face and looked down at him with a quizzical expression. "Countdown?"
Xander grinned but didn’t lift his head.
"How can you start a countdown when the doctor hasn’t even given us a due date yet?"
Still smiling, he finally looked up and placed a finger against her lips. "Shh... you want me to be a liar in front of our child?"
Aurora shook her head with a small laugh. "Then don’t lie," she murmured.
Satisfied, Xander sat up and adjusted himself beside her. But instead of settling down, he swiftly snatched the book from her lap.
Aurora frowned. "Xander—"
"No more reading," he said simply, placing the book on the nightstand and switching off the main lights, leaving only the soft glow of the lamp. "You will strain your eyesight if you keep reading this late at night with artificial light."
Aurora sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, she laid down properly, her body instinctively gravitating toward him. Xander pulled her into his arms, wrapping her securely against him.
"Why do I feel like it’s too early to go to bed?" Aurora asked without meeting his gaze.
Xander replied with a hint of amusement in his tone, "We had dinner early. And there’s nothing wrong with resting a little longer today."
For a moment, there was only silence—the rhythmic sound of their breathing, the faint rustling of the curtains, and the steady beating of Xander’s heart beneath Aurora’s cheek.
Then, he spoke again. "Sweetheart, I need to tell you something."
She tilted her head slightly. "What is it?"
"The next stage of our mission starts Thursday," Xander said, his voice steady. "Asher and I will be traveling to Octavia Empire for a week before returning to Wing City. After that, we will wait until it’s time to leave again."
Aurora didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she curled closer, burying her face into his chest.
One week. It didn’t sound like a long time, but to her, it felt like an eternity.
She knew this was his duty—his responsibility. But that didn’t make it any easier to accept.
Still, she didn’t complain. Instead, she whispered, "I wish you success. And please... come back on time for our next doctor’s appointment."
Xander tightened his hold on her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I promise."
And Aurora, despite the weight of her emotions, chose to believe him.
Chapter 298: A Toast to Herself
Dinner at the Swift residence was usually a quiet, elegant affair. The long mahogany dining table was set impeccably, the crystal chandelier overhead casting a soft glow over the delicate china and silverware.
Stephanie sat at the head of the table, gracefully sipping her freshly squeezed pineapple juice, while Ivy and Damien enjoyed their meal at either side of her.
Then came the sound of heels clicking against the marble floors.
Olivia.
As always, she made an entrance.
Dressed in a sleek silk robe, her hair perfectly styled, she strutted toward the dining table with an air of confidence that was impossible to ignore. Without a care, she pulled out a chair at the other end of the head table—the same one she always claimed, as though she were entitled to it.
She lowered herself into the seat, her lips curving into a pleased smile.
"I’ll have a bottle of wine," Olivia announced, her tone light and airy, as though she were at a private celebration rather than a simple family dinner.
One of the maids standing at the corner of the room hurried forward, bowing slightly before presenting her with a bottle of expensive red wine, one of Vintage Cellar’s oldest products. Olivia took it with satisfaction, inspecting the label as if making sure it was worthy of her.
Then, she raised the bottle slightly. "I’d like to make a toast."
Ivy and Damien exchanged glances, neither of them particularly interested, but Stephanie remained quiet, watching her niece with mild curiosity.
"To me," Olivia declared, her voice ringing with self-admiration. "For successfully returning to Vintage Cellar, despite all the obstacles thrown in my way."
She poured herself a generous amount of wine and lifted her glass in the air. When she noticed that her cousins had no intention of joining, she simply shrugged.
"If you’re interested in celebrating my victory, pour your own," she said smoothly before taking a slow, deliberate sip.
Ivy’s lips twitched in amusement, but she refrained from commenting, instead stabbing her fork into her meal. Damien, on the other hand, continued eating as though Olivia weren’t even there.
Stephanie, as patient as ever, waited until Olivia had finished her toast and was sipping her wine before speaking.
"I hope you haven’t forgotten that you’ll still have to continue your counselling sessions, Olivia," she reminded her calmly.
Olivia exhaled lightly through her nose, setting her wine glass down. "I know, Aunt. And trust me, I can’t wait to be done with it." She flashed her usual dazzling smile, then picked up her cutlery and dug into her meal, completely unbothered by the lingering tension at the table.
But actually, she had meant her words earlier. She couldn’t wait to be done with seeing the doctor so she could have her peace. She was already tired of the sessions and was barely holding on because of the important perk that came with it.
The dinner proceeded with idle conversation, though Olivia hardly contributed. She simply enjoyed her food, drinking in small, pleased sips, completely in her own world.
Then, as soon as she finished eating, she dabbed the corners of her lips with a napkin and pushed her chair back.
"Well, it’s been a lovely evening," she said sweetly, her tone almost exaggerated in its pleasantness. "Goodnight, everyone."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and sauntered out of the dining hall, her silk robe flowing elegantly behind her, giving an attitude, just like its owner.
The moment she was out of sight, Ivy let out a dramatic sigh and reached for the bottle of wine Olivia had abandoned. She poured herself a glass, swirling the contents slightly before muttering, "I don’t know why she’s so overly happy tonight."
Damien, who had remained mostly indifferent throughout dinner, shook his head. "Mind your business, Ivy. It’s better not to try and figure out Olivia’s moods. It would be bad if you got into a heated argument with her."
Ivy huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, she took a slow sip of the wine before setting her glass down. "Mom, I’ve been thinking... I’d really like to visit Vintage Cellar. I want to see how wine is actually made."
Stephanie, who had been silently enjoying her drink, looked at her daughter with mild surprise before smiling. "That can be arranged. I’m visiting the winery this Friday for a meeting. I will take you and your brother with me. And show you around."
Ivy perked up instantly, excitement flickering in her eyes. "Really? That’s great!"
Damien, though not as outwardly enthusiastic, nodded in acknowledgment. "That would be interesting to see."
Stephanie took another sip of her pineapple juice before setting her glass down. "Speaking of Vintage Cellar, have either of you considered working there?"
Ivy immediately scrunched her nose. "Office work? Sitting at a desk from morning until noon? Absolutely not." Then, after a moment, she added with a playful smile, "But I wouldn’t mind giving it a try just for fun."
Stephanie turned to Damien, waiting for his answer. "What about you? What do you think?"
He exhaled and leaned back into his seat. "I don’t see anything wrong with working at Vintage Cellar. It would be good for experience purposes. But..." He hesitated slightly before continuing, "I’m just wondering what Aurora and Olivia would think if you brought us in. Remember, it’s just been a few days since we moved into their father’s house. They might be think otherwise with the company."
Stephanie let out a small chuckle. "Aurora isn’t narrow-minded, Damien. She would have no issue with it. Olivia, on the other hand... well, you already know how she is."
Damien nodded, understanding exactly what his mother meant. Olivia would definitely throw a fit, but honestly, that wasn’t his concern.
Ivy, however, rolled her eyes dramatically. "I don’t care what Olivia thinks. I can choose to work wherever I want." She sounded as if she couldn’t wait for the day when she would pick a fight with Olivia.
Stephanie smiled in amusement. "That’s the spirit."
And with that, the dinner continued, the conversation shifting to lighter topics.
Chapter 299: Olivia’s Jealousy Rises Again
Friday finally arrived after Xander had left for his mission the previous day.
Aurora sat comfortably at the dining table in the sunlit breakfast nook, a gentle smile on her lips as she took another spoonful of the warm, nutritious lentil soup.
It was delicious—flavourful yet light enough not to overwhelm her morning appetite.
Nene stood nearby, watching her with satisfaction. "Do you like it, ma’am?" she asked, already knowing the answer.
Aurora nodded, swallowing before replying, "It’s wonderful. Xander’s mother really outdid herself. I should call and thank her today."
Nene smiled in approval. "She’ll be happy to hear that."
Aurora continued enjoying her meal, savouring each bite, until the bowl was nearly empty. After she finished, she picked up a napkin and dabbed the corners of her lips, then reached for her glass of water. She drank it all in one go before setting it back down.
"Nene," Aurora said thoughtfully, "I’d like to take some of this soup to work for lunch."
Nene gave a quick nod. "I’ll notify the kitchen right away."
Before leaving, Nene popped open the small pill organizer and handed Aurora her prenatal vitamins. Aurora took them without a fuss, downing them with another glass of water that Nene had refilled.
With breakfast finished and her schedule for the day in mind, Aurora stood up. It was time to head to work.
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Vintage Cellar Winery.
The winery smelled of rich oak barrels, aged grapes, and the crisp scent of fermentation in progress. It was a place of creation—a sanctuary where the heart of Vintage Cellar’s legacy was nurtured.
Aurora had barely stepped into the spacious facility when her gaze landed on an unusual sight.
Olivia was already there.
That was rare.
Not only was Olivia early for once in her life, but she was also... taking pictures.
Dressed in a sleek black pantsuit, she had turned one of the winery staff into her personal photographer. She struck various poses—some with her arms crossed, others with a hand on her hip—each angle carefully curated for her social media presence.
Aurora rolled her eyes inwardly.
She had no intention of engaging in Olivia’s theatrics, so she walked past, intending to mind her own business. But Olivia, always drawn to drama like a moth to a flame, spotted her from the corner of her eye and immediately grabbed her phone before striding toward her.
"Aurora," Olivia called out smoothly, stopping directly in her path.
Aurora sighed internally before offering Olivia a single, unbothered glance.
Olivia smirked. "I must say, you look..." she dragged out the word as if searching for something clever to say, "... different."
Aurora raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
For once, Olivia chose to let the conversation die, but not before her gaze flickered downward. And that was when she saw it.
Aurora’s baby bump.
The smile on Olivia’s lips froze, and in its place, something unspoken passed through her expression—surprise, disbelief, and something darker she kept locked behind her sharp eyes.
It was the first time she was seeing it with her own eyes.
Aurora, pregnant.
The sight of that small but undeniable bump stirred something ugly inside her. A pang of jealousy twisted in her stomach, though she refused to acknowledge it.
This... This reminded her of everything she had lost. Her failed marriage, her broken dreams, and the cold, humiliating realization that the life she once envisioned for herself had crumbled beyond repair.
Meanwhile, Aurora, the woman she had once looked down on, was thriving.
Pregnant. Married. Settled.
Olivia forced herself to look unaffected, straightening her posture as if none of it bothered her.
Aurora, choosing not to give Olivia the satisfaction of lingering in that awkward silence, turned to the winery supervisor who had just walked up to greet her.
"Has my aunt arrived yet?" she asked.
The supervisor shook his head. "Not yet, ma’am. But you’re welcome to come in first."
Aurora nodded, ready to head inside—until she caught the sound of approaching footsteps.
Turning slightly, she spotted Stephanie making her way toward the entrance. But she wasn’t alone.
Ivy and Damien were with her.
From the side, Olivia let out a low scoff. She muttered under her breath, "What are they doing here?" Her lips curled in distaste. She never liked her cousins, and she certainly didn’t like them anywhere near Vintage Cellar.
As soon as Stephanie arrived, Aurora greeted her politely before acknowledging Ivy and Damien. They returned her greeting with warm smiles, clearly pleased to see her.
Olivia, on the other hand, greeted Stephanie begrudgingly. As expected, she completely ignored Ivy and Damien. But the feeling was mutual—they acted as if she wasn’t there either.
Then, in typical Olivia fashion, she chose to stir the pot.
"Today, they came to see the winery," Olivia said loud enough for everyone to hear. "But who knows, they might enter the company tomorrow."
A brief silence hovered over the group.
Stephanie glanced between Aurora and Olivia before addressing the comment with practiced ease. "Your cousins were interested in seeing how wine is made, so I brought them along," she explained simply.
Olivia scoffed lightly before tilting her head to ask an out-of-the-blue question. "Is it just me, or does Aurora look less appealing in my eyes?"
Stephanie followed Olivia’s gaze, which was clearly directed at Aurora’s baby bump. Without missing a beat, she replied, "There must be something wrong with your eyes, then. Perhaps they need reconstruction."
Ivy immediately burst into laughter, enjoying Olivia’s rare moment of being put in her place.
Olivia’s glare shot straight to Ivy, but the younger woman was too amused to care. Her laughter only stopped when Damien gently pulled at the sleeve of her blouse, silently signalling her to behave.
Then, Ivy turned back to Aurora with genuine curiosity. "Congratulations," she said warmly. "How far along are you?"
Before Aurora could answer, Olivia interjected as if she wasn’t age mates with Ivy.
"Use your brain, little girl. Don’t ask questions like that."
Ivy’s excitement dimmed slightly as she turned to Olivia with a glare. It almost sounded like Olivia was defending Aurora, but they all knew better. Olivia would only open her mouth if it meant hurting someone—especially Ivy.
Aurora, unfazed, decided to let the moment pass. She excused herself to check on her new wine brand’s production, moving ahead without looking back.
Olivia, disliking the idea of standing anywhere near Ivy and Damien for a second longer, followed after her—but not too closely.
At a short corridor, Olivia finally went her own way while Aurora continued forward.
Meanwhile, Stephanie led her children through the different sections of the winery, giving them a detailed tour. Ivy was thrilled and asked endless questions about the winemaking process, while Damien observed everything with quiet interest.
At one point, he asked, "How long does it take for wine to ferment fully?"
Stephanie, pleased with his curiosity, responded, "It depends on the type of wine. Some take months. Others take years. The longer, the better in most cases."
Half an hour later, the winery workers gathered for a scheduled meeting in the conference room.
Stephanie arrived first, preparing to address the employees. Ivy, still eager to learn more, attempted to step inside the meeting room as well.
But Olivia, ever the gatekeeper of unnecessary hostility, smirked and blocked her path.
"This meeting is for Vintage Cellar employees only," she said smugly.
And with that, she shut the door in Ivy’s face.
Chapter 300: She Knew Nothing About It
Soon, Sunday evening arrived.
The night air buzzed with energy as Olivia stepped into Venom Lounge, one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Wing City. The flashing neon lights reflected off the sleek, polished floors, and the heavy bass of the music thrummed through the walls, setting the perfect ambiance for a night of indulgence.
Olivia was dressed to command attention. A body-hugging, emerald-green dress clung to her curves, paired with diamond earrings that shimmered under the dim lights. Her long, dark hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her makeup was flawless—contoured to perfection with a red lip that spelled both danger and seduction.
Her friends—Ella, Caro, and Rita—were already waiting for her at their private booth, an expensive bottle of champagne chilling in an ice bucket at the center of the table.
"Finally, our queen arrives," Ella teased as Olivia slid into the seat beside her.
"Fashionably late, as always," Caro added with a smirk.
Olivia rolled her eyes, picking up the flute of champagne Rita had poured for her. "Shut up and drink," she said smoothly, raising her glass.
The women clinked glasses and took a sip, their eyes briefly flickering to the dance floor, where bodies swayed to the electrifying beat. The club was packed, the crowd a mix of high-society elites and celebrities who had come to enjoy a night free of paparazzi.
Despite the chaos of her personal life, Olivia was determined to enjoy herself tonight.
"To Olivia," Rita declared, lifting her glass. "Back in her rightful place at Vintage Cellar."
They all toasted to that, but Olivia noticed something odd.
Her friends... they weren’t in sync.
It was subtle—the way they carefully avoided certain topics, the way none of them mentioned her mother’s ongoing murder trial because it was a forbidden subject.
But she ignored it.
They continued drinking, laughing, and occasionally gossiping about other socialites who had fallen from grace. Everything was fine—until a group of men approached their booth.
"Mind if we join you ladies?" one of them asked with a cocky smirk, clearly feeling himself.
Ella and Caro exchanged glances before giggling, their flirty nature surfacing.
Rita, as usual, played coy, twirling her straw in her drink.
But Olivia? She barely spared them a glance.
She found them... boring and useless, given the outcome of her relationship with Owen.
Olivia wasn’t in the mood for men tonight, especially not ones who reeked of expensive cologne and entitlement.
"Not interested," she muttered, reaching for the bottle of champagne to refill her glass.
The man looked momentarily taken aback by her blunt rejection, but he quickly recovered and turned his attention to the others. Seeing that her friends were clearly entertained, Olivia rolled her eyes and leaned back against the plush seat.
Moments later, Ella and Caro abandoned their drinks and waltzed onto the dance floor, their laughter ringing above the music.
Olivia remained in her seat, tapping her manicured nails against her glass, her mind half-present.
When Ella and Caro returned, the four friends continued partying until they were exhausted and ready to leave.
Everything was going smoothly—until Olivia ran into Victor, the notorious playboy of Wing City. The man she and her mother contracted to deal with Aurora on different occasions.
"Olivia Swift," Victor drawled as he strolled up to her, a lazy smirk playing on his lips.
Olivia barely spared him a glance before attempting to move ahead and follow her friends, but Victor blocked her path and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So, we’re pretending we don’t know each other now?"
Olivia was forced to halt. "I don’t entertain irrelevant people."
Victor let out a sharp laugh, but there was something dark in his eyes. "Irrelevant? That’s rich coming from someone whose mother is about to be sentenced for murder."
The words hit Olivia like a whip.
She felt a shift in the air around them as nearby patrons turned their heads. Conversations were hushed, and curious eyes locked onto them.
Victor had raised his voice just enough to attract attention.
Olivia’s grip tightened around her bag, her blood boiling with fury.
"You’re a pathetic womanizer who has nothing better to offer society except being a nuisance," she spat.
Victor took a step closer, lowering his voice but keeping his amusement intact. "And you’re the daughter of a murderer who’s just as much of a nuisance as me."
Gasps rippled through the onlookers, followed by bursts of laughter.
People pointed at Olivia, whispering among themselves. Some covered their mouths to hide their amusement, while others openly smirked.
Humiliation slithered through Olivia’s veins like poison. And then—she saw her. A familiar face in the crowd.
The moment their gazes locked, Olivia’s rage burned hotter.
Casey, her ex-best friend who suddenly disappeared into thin air.
Olivia’s hands clenched into fists as she stormed toward her, ignoring the way people moved aside.
Casey, standing there with dark sunglasses on inside a dimly lit club, didn’t flinch. She simply folded her arms across her chest, her lips curling into a smug smile.
She had been enjoying Olivia’s public humiliation after unexpectedly running into her.
Olivia stopped directly in front of her. "What’s so funny, Casey?"
Casey’s smirk deepened, but she remained silent.
Olivia’s anger flared. "Answer me! You whore!" Her voice carried over the music, drawing more attention.
From the sides, Ella muttered, "Is that not Casey? Why is she wearing shades at a nightclub?"
Caro nudged her. "Not the point. I think we’re about to see a fight."
Rita, more nervous than entertained, whispered, "We need to stop them before things get out of hand."
"How about you do it?" Caro shot back.
Silence.
None of them volunteered.
Back in the center of the chaos, Casey finally spoke.
"You’re calling me a whore?" she scoffed. "That’s rich. Weren’t you the one who snatched your own sister’s boyfriend?"
The crowd gasped dramatically. A good number of them knew that story.
Olivia’s face burned with rage. Without thinking, she lashed out, smacking the sunglasses off Casey’s face.
The moment they hit the floor, the entire club fell into silence.
Because now, for the first time, Olivia—and everyone else—saw the real reason Casey had been hiding behind shades.
Her left eye was gone.
Where her eyeball should have been, there was only sealed flesh.
The sight shocked everyone.
Even Olivia, who had intended to humiliate Casey, staggered back in horror. At the same time, Ella and Caro rushed to her side, grabbed her by the arms and dragged her away.
On the other hand, Casey didn’t move. She stood frozen, her breathing shallow, as whispers broke out around them.
Some murmured in pity while others speculated what had happened to her eye.
And then—Casey turned and ran.
One hand covered the left side of her face as she pushed through the crowd, her confidence shattered now that her secret was exposed.
Meanwhile, Victor blinked, trying to process what had just happened.
One of his friends leaned in and asked, "Who the hell was that?"
Victor downed the last of his whiskey before replying, "Casey and Olivia? They used to be best friends—until Casey got involved with Olivia’s ex-fiancé."
Meanwhile, outside the club, Olivia sat in stunned silence.
She was in the front passenger seat of her family’s car, staring blankly ahead as Ella, Caro, and Rita tried to process what they had just witnessed.
"What the hell just happened?" Ella breathed.
"Did you see her eye?" Rita whispered, still shaken.
Caro shuddered. "That was... terrifying."
Olivia, hugging herself, finally muttered out loud: "What happened to Casey’s eye?"
Deep down, she feared the answer.
But in the end, it turned out that, unlike Casey’s confident theory, Olivia knew absolutely nothing about how she lost her left eye.