Ch. 316..320: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 316-320

Chapter 316: A Little Disrespect from Juliet

Aurora’s heels clicked lightly against the carpeted floor of the jet as she approached her seat. Her sharp gaze immediately landed on her pink Birkin bag—which was now carelessly placed on the floor—and then on the woman comfortably occupying her chair.

Juliet.

A slow, cold annoyance crept through Aurora’s chest. Her gaze flickered to Owen, who was seated directly across from Juliet. He seemed unbothered—until he noticed her standing there.

Aurora ignored him and instead focused her attention on Juliet. Her voice was calm but dangerously firm.

"Did you put my bag on the floor?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Juliet, instead of greeting her properly, simply rubbed her pregnant belly and smiled. "Oh, I didn’t know the seat was taken."

Aurora’s fingers twitched slightly at Juliet’s nonchalant tone.

She let out a slow breath, composing herself before speaking again. "Well, now that you do, I’d appreciate it if you found another seat."

Owen, now realizing he had definitely made a mistake, quickly stood up and reached for Juliet’s arm. "Come on, Juliet, let’s sit somewhere else."

Juliet frowned in reluctance, shifting her gaze between Aurora and Owen. She clearly didn’t want to move.

But just as she hesitated, the curtain in front of them was drawn open.

A heavy presence filled the space.

Owen’s gaze immediately fell on Xander, and he stammered immediately. "U-Uncle..."

Juliet looked up, and for the first time, she came face-to-face with Xander Scott.

The cold authority in his eyes made her instantly timid.

Xander’s sharp gaze swept over both Owen and Juliet before settling on Owen. His voice was calm, yet it held a weight that was impossible to ignore.

"You and your wife were already half an hour late, keeping everyone waiting. And now that you’ve finally arrived, you chose to take my and my wife’s seats?"

Owen immediately bowed his head in apology. "It was a mistake, Uncle. We didn’t know—"

Xander’s icy gaze shifted to Juliet.

Juliet felt the pressure of his stare bearing down on her, making her shift uncomfortably.

Swallowing hard, she quickly followed suit. "I’m sorry, Mr. Scott," she said softly, her voice losing all its earlier arrogance.

Xander didn’t acknowledge their apologies. Instead, he gestured toward Aurora and said, "Apologize to my wife."

Juliet’s fingers clenched, but she had no choice.

"I’m sorry, Mrs. Scott," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Owen followed immediately. "We’re sorry, Auro—Aunt-in-law."

Aurora, however, didn’t even respond. She merely stared at them, her silence speaking volumes.

Not wanting to spend another minute in Xander’s presence, Owen grabbed Juliet’s arm and gently but firmly pulled her away, guiding her to find another seat ahead.

Xander shook his head, then closed the curtain behind them. Turning back to Aurora, he placed a warm hand on her lower back and led her toward her seat.

As he sat across from her once again, his sharp eyes locked onto hers. "Sweetheart, why were you the one standing while she was sitting on your seat when I walked in?"

Aurora exhaled slowly. She explained the situation while rubbing her temple in annoyance. "And when she finally spoke, she acted like she didn’t want to move. That is, until you showed up."

Xander’s expression darkened slightly. "I’ll talk to Owen. I can’t have anyone in this family disrespecting my wife."

Aurora shook her head. "Don’t bother." She leaned back into her seat, her gaze flickering toward the closed curtain. "I’ll handle her myself."

Xander arched a brow. "Are you sure?"

Aurora nodded. "Absolutely."

He smirked slightly. "Alright, then. But don’t go easy on her."

Aurora rolled her eyes, but the amusement in Xander’s tone made her smile slightly.

---

Meanwhile...

At the front section of the jet, Old Mr. Scott sat stiffly in his chair, arms crossed as he watched Owen approach.

Owen could already feel the storm brewing before he even got there.

As soon as he was within hearing distance, the old man’s voice sliced through the air like a whip.

"You were late."

Owen immediately bowed his head. "I know, Grandfather. I apologize—"

"You kept this entire family waiting for half an hour!" Old Mr. Scott snapped. "You are the youngest member of this family here, yet you were the last to arrive! Do you realize how irresponsible that is?"

Owen gritted his teeth, feeling his entire body stiffen. But his old man wasn’t finished.

"If you ever disrespect this family’s time again," he said coldly, "you will be left behind."

The weight of those words settled heavily in the air.

Owen immediately bowed deeply. "I understand, Grandfather. It won’t happen again."

The old man gave him one last piercing stare before turning away.

Juliet, standing stiffly beside Owen, had been too frightened to even breathe during the entire exchange.

Without another word, the old man returned to his seat.

Owen clenched his jaw and pulled Juliet toward another set of empty seats.

As soon as they settled down, his patience snapped.

He turned to Juliet and lowered his voice sharply. "This is exactly why I told you we should’ve left the house earlier."

Juliet bit her lip. "I said I was sorry—"

Owen exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You insisted on doing a full face of makeup before leaving! Do you see the mess we’re in now?"

Juliet lowered her head, not daring to argue further.

---

The ten-hour flight from Wing City to Switzerland was smooth.

Throughout the journey, Xander took care of Aurora, ensuring she was warm and comfortable.

He checked her temperature, made sure she wasn’t experiencing heartburn, and even took over Nene’s duties by handing her the vitamins she needed.

Aurora, despite her pregnancy cravings, chose to portion her meals carefully.

Xander raised a brow at her. "Why aren’t you eating more?"

Aurora sipped her water before responding. "I’m watching the baby’s weight. If the baby gets too big, the delivery will be harder."

Xander smirked, shaking his head. "Smart."

Aurora grinned and took another bite of her vegetable salad.

---

The moment the private jet landed on Swiss soil, the Scott family was met with a stunning winter wonderland. Snow blanketed the landscape, and the crisp mountain air carried a refreshing chill.

Seven sleek black Range Rovers, each assigned to a different couple, were waiting for them on the runway.

One by one, the family stepped out of the jet, their winter coats wrapped tightly around them.

Xander and Aurora got into the first car. Old Mr. and Mrs. Scott got into the second. Owen and Juliet entered the third while Richard and Patricia settled into the fourth.

The remaining three SUVs were occupied by their security team.

As the engines roared to life, Aurora leaned against her seat, exhaling softly.

Xander glanced at her, his fingers wrapping gently around hers. "Ready for our vacation?"

Aurora smirked slightly, her gaze drifting toward the car Owen and Juliet had entered.

"More than ready, but without any drama," Aurora clarified, eager to meet Xander’s second older brother.

 

Chapter 317: All Three Against One

The dining room of the Swift family residence was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, buttered croissants, and an assortment of breakfast dishes arranged neatly on the long mahogany table.

Ivy, seated comfortably with a cup of cappuccino in her manicured hands, sighed dramatically. "You know, Mum," she started, setting her cup down with a soft clink, "we should make some plans for Christmas. It’s only a few days away, and it would be depressing to sit around doing nothing."

Damien, casually cutting into his omelet, hummed in agreement. "That’s true. We should at least do something."

But before Ivy could continue, Olivia—who had been uncharacteristically silent—slowly placed her fork down with a sharp clatter. Her gaze lifted, cold and piercing.

"Do you have no shame?" Olivia’s voice was deceptively calm, but her underlying fury was unmistakable. "Celebrating Christmas? When my mother was just sentenced to life imprisonment a few days ago?"

The room fell into silence.

Olivia had made that statement from the perspective of what people would say about their family if they embarked on a Christmas celebration. But no one understood her since she didn’t pass her message across properly.

For a moment, Ivy blinked, confused. She tilted her head, as if trying to decipher what Olivia truly meant. But when the wrong realization struck, her expression darkened, and she scoffed.

"Excuse me?" Ivy’s lips curled into a sneer. "Was I the one who asked your mother to commit the horrendous crimes that landed her in prison? Should we all put our lives on hold because of her sins?"

Stephanie, seated at the head of the table, quietly sipped her tea, her face unreadable.

Olivia glanced at her aunt, expecting a rebuke, some form of intervention. But Stephanie didn’t even spare her a glance.

Fine. If her aunt wouldn’t put Ivy in her place, she would do it herself.

Olivia leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. "You should learn some manners, Ivy. And while you’re at it, pay for some wisdom because it looks like no one ever taught you that."

Damien’s fork froze mid-air. His gaze flickered toward Olivia, sharp and unamused.

Ivy, on the other hand, immediately bristled. Olivia had not only insulted her but had also taken a jab at their mother—implying that she hadn’t raised her properly.

Ivy clenched her jaw. "You—"

But before she could utter another word, Stephanie set her teacup down with a soft yet firm thud.

"Ivy," she called smoothly, cutting through the brewing storm.

Ivy instantly shut her mouth.

Stephanie’s gaze finally lifted, but instead of looking at Olivia, she looked straight at Ivy. "Olivia’s mother killed people and was just sentenced to life imprisonment," she said, her voice calm but cutting. "So, of course, it’s natural for Olivia not to celebrate Christmas."

Olivia’s lips parted slightly, her face heating with anger.

But before she could react, Stephanie continued, shifting her gaze to her children. "On that note, the three of us will be going to the Maldives to spend the Christmas holidays together."

Ivy’s frustration evaporated instantly. Her lips stretched into a delighted smile.

"That’s perfect," Damien said with a nod of approval.

Ivy clasped her hands together, excitement bubbling in her voice. "I was actually thinking we might just celebrate Christmas here in Wing City, but this is even better! The Maldives? Oh, I can already picture it—the clear blue waters, the sun, the luxury resorts..."

Stephanie offered a small, approving smile at her daughter’s enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Olivia sat still, her hands balled into fists beneath the table.

Her face burned—not just from anger, but from sheer humiliation.

Her aunt’s words had been deliberate.

Stephanie hadn’t just dismissed her—she had put her in her place.

And worse, she had done it with a subtlety so sharp that she had no way to retaliate.

As if that wasn’t enough, jealousy twisted inside Olivia as another thought crossed her mind.

Her aunt was probably using the company’s money to sponsor this extravagant trip for herself and her children.

And yet here she was, trapped in this suffocating house, unable to even hold onto the power that once belonged to her.

But Olivia remained silent.

She was at fault for bringing up the subject in the first place.

So, instead of saying anything, she reached for her knife and fork, cutting into her food with quiet precision.

But her mind was far from calm.

As Ivy continued gushing about the Maldives, Olivia silently vowed to make her little ass uncomfortable.

---

The soft chime of Abigail’s phone broke the peaceful silence in her penthouse. She was curled up on her plush ivory couch, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a book resting on her lap.

Aurora had given her the keys to her apartment before jetting off for the family Christmas holidays.

Glancing at the caller ID, she raised a brow. Asher?

With mild curiosity, she swiped to answer.

"Asher," she greeted smoothly, bringing her coffee to her lips. "This is a surprise."

A low chuckle came from the other end. "Did I catch you at a bad time?"

Abigail smirked. "Not really. But I’m guessing you didn’t call just to exchange pleasantries. What’s up?"

"I wanted to ask about your Christmas plans," he said casually.

Abigail shifted, setting her cup down. "I’m going on a solo trip," she answered. "Somewhere peaceful, away from all the noise of Wing City."

Asher chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. "Fair enough." There was a brief pause before he continued, "I’m hosting a Christmas party two days after Christmas. It’s more of a year-end celebration, I actually organize."

Abigail arched a brow. "A Christmas party? Sounds extravagant."

"Well, you know me," he said, his voice light and teasing. "I like to go all out."

Abigail smirked. "That, I do know."

"Anyway," Asher continued, "I’d like you to attend. That is, in case you’re still in Wing City at that time."

Abigail leaned back into the couch, tapping a manicured finger against the book on her lap. "Hmm... I’m not sure about that probability," she admitted. "But if my plans permit, I’ll try to make it."

"I’ll hold you to that," Asher said, the amusement evident in his tone. "I’ll send you a formal invitation this evening."

"Formal invitation?" Abigail chuckled. "How fancy."

"What can I say? I have standards," he quipped.

Abigail shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Noted."

There was a comfortable silence between them before Asher finally spoke again. "Well then, I won’t keep you any longer. Enjoy your day Abigail."

Abigail smirked. "Enjoy your excessive party planning, Asher."

A short laugh followed. "I’ll try. Bye, Abigail."

"Bye."

With that, the call ended.

Though Abigail wasn’t sure if she’d still be in town, it wouldn’t hurt to keep it in mind.

Chapter 318: Two Decades of Estrangement

The Scott family’s fleet of luxury SUVs pulled up in front of the grand private winter resort, their tires crunching against the thick blanket of snow that covered the landscape.

The resort, exclusively booked for the family, was a stunning masterpiece of wood and stone—a grand cabin-style lodge surrounded by elegantly decorated villas and chalets.

Twinkling fairy lights adorned the eaves, while soft, golden lanterns illuminated the pathways leading up to the main entrance. The crisp mountain air carried the faint scent of pine and the distant warmth of a roaring fireplace.

As soon as the cars came to a halt, the doors swung open, and one by one, the family members stepped out.

On the outdoor patio, sipping hot drinks and gazing at the snow-covered surroundings, sat two figures who had yet to be introduced into the current generation of family gatherings.

Harrison Scott—the second eldest of the Scott brothers—and his wife, Eleanor, had already arrived earlier that day.

They watched the arrivals with keen, assessing gazes.

The moment Old Mr. and Mrs. Scott stepped out of their car, Harrison and Eleanor wasted no time. They descended the steps of the patio and walked straight toward the old couple.

"Mother," Harrison greeted warmly, stepping forward to embrace Old Mrs. Scott.

The old lady’s face brightened as she returned the hug. "Harrison, my dear. It’s been years since I last saw you."

"I know," Harrison replied, pulling back with a small smile. "But I’m here now."

Harrison and Eleanor hasn’t been attending the yearly family Christmas vacation since a few years.

Eleanor, elegant as ever in a fitted winter coat, turned to Old Mr. Scott and greeted him politely. "Father, it’s good to see you again."

The old man gave her a small nod of acknowledgment before turning back to Harrison.

"Where are my granddaughters?" Old Mrs. Scott asked, glancing behind them.

Harrison let out a small chuckle. "They decided to attend a career business conference. They felt it was more important than spending the holidays here."

The old woman shook her head fondly. "Those girls and their ambitions."

Meanwhile, standing a few steps away, Richard and Patricia had yet to be acknowledged. They remained silent, but the tension between them and Harrison was unmistakable.

Aurora, observing everything from beside Xander, immediately noticed the lack of interaction. Not a single glance. Not a single word exchanged.

Something is definitely off.

But before she could dwell too long on the family dynamic, Xander moved forward with her in tow.

Harrison’s gaze shifted to his youngest brother.

"Xander," Harrison greeted with a slight nod.

"Brother," Xander responded in the same manner before stepping in for a brief, firm hug.

Aurora, sensing it was her turn, greeted Harrison and Eleanor with a polite smile. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both."

Eleanor’s sharp, yet warm eyes studied Aurora for a second before she smiled. "So you’re the famous Aurora I’ve been hearing about," she said smoothly. "You’re even more stunning in person."

Aurora smiled politely. "Thank you."

Eleanor chuckled. "No need to be so formal, dear. We’re family now."

Despite Eleanor’s warmth, Aurora kept a comfortable distance. She wasn’t sure what kind of person she was yet, and from what she had already observed tonight, it was best to tread carefully.

The uneasy atmosphere between Richard and Harrison made one thing clear—Xander’s two elder brothers were not on good terms.

Aurora could practically feel the simmering tension between them, thick and unmoving.

Owen and Juliet approached to greet Harrison and Eleanor next.

"Uncle Harrison, Aunt Eleanor," Owen said respectfully.

Harrison gave him a brief nod but said nothing. Eleanor merely smiled slightly before turning her attention back to Xander and Aurora.

It was subtle, but the message was loud and clear.

They had no interest in engaging further with Owen.

Juliet, however, was not subtle. As they walked away toward one of the villas, she pressed closer to Owen and murmured, "They practically ignored us."

Owen sighed, already exhausted by the situation. "It’s not that serious, Juliet. There’s no place for us when my uncles and their wives are together."

Juliet frowned but then hesitated before speaking again. "Still... there’s something off about the way your dad and Uncle Harrison behave around each other. Are they not on speaking terms?"

Owen’s entire demeanor shifted. His face darkened, and he turned to her with a sharp gaze.

"Don’t ever be curious about that matter," he warned, his voice low and firm. "It’s none of your business."

Juliet immediately pressed her lips together, realizing she had touched on a subject she shouldn’t have.

But Owen wasn’t done.

"And remember—no posting or taking pictures of any family members without their permission."

Juliet mumbled, "I remember," though her fingers twitched with the urge to pull out her phone and update her followers. But more especially, to let Olivia see what she’s missing out on.

---

Meanwhile – In Xander & Aurora’s Private Cottage

By the time Xander and Aurora arrived at their private cottage, their belongings had already been neatly unpacked by the staff. The spacious suite exuded warmth, with a large fireplace crackling softly in the background.

Xander stretched, unbuttoning his coat. "Let’s take a bath first, then we’ll join the rest of the family for dinner."

Aurora sighed dramatically. "I wish Nene had come on this trip."

Xander smirked. "Use me instead," he said, understand her thoughts.

Aurora raised a brow at him. "Use you?"

He stepped forward, his hands slipping into the pockets of his slacks. "Put me to work. Need me to fluff your pillows? Draw your bath? Feed you grapes?"

Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. "I’d rather have a hot soak in the bath first."

Xander wasted no time. He knelt down, unlacing her boots before pulling them off gently. Then he moved to her winter jacket, unzipping it slowly.

"You’re really doing this?" Aurora teased.

Xander smirked. "I said you could use me. And trying to keep to my words."

Aurora rolled her eyes but smiled as he carefully slid her jacket off her shoulders.

As he hung up her coat, Aurora casually said, "The tension in the air between your two brothers is thicker than this winter coat."

Xander chuckled but didn’t deny it.

"How long has that rift lasted?" she asked.

Xander took a moment before answering. "Over twenty years."

Aurora’s eyes widened. "That long?"

He nodded. "Let’s just say... a lot of things happened in the past."

Aurora couldn’t imagine being estranged from a sibling for two decades.

She let out a breath. "Thanks for the heads-up. Now I can mentally prepare myself for any upcoming drama."

Xander smirked as he reached for the belt of her robe. "You sure you don’t need me in that bath with you?"

Aurora flicked his forehead lightly. "Nice try."

Xander laughed and stepped back, letting her disappear into the bathroom.

Chapter 319: The Rift at the Dinner Table

One by one, members of the Scott family and their spouses entered the grand dining hall, where a long, elegantly decorated table stretched before them. The warm glow of the chandelier reflected off the polished silverware, and the aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and winter spices filled the air.

Aurora, clad in a cozy yet elegant cashmere dress, walked beside Xander as they made their way to their seats. His hand rested on the small of her back, a silent gesture of warmth and protection.

As everyone settled into their respective places, Old Mr. Scott cleared his throat, commanding instant attention. "Let’s pray."

The room fell silent as he led the brief prayer, his deep voice resonating through the dining hall. After the final amen, he gestured toward the spread before them. "Eat."

The clinking of cutlery against plates followed as everyone began their meal.

Xander, ever the attentive husband, used his knife to cut Aurora’s steak into smaller pieces before swapping his plate with hers. "Do you want more gravy?" he asked as he reached for the sauce boat.

Aurora shook her head, giving him a gentle smile. "No, I’m fine. You should eat, too."

Xander smirked but didn’t argue, picking up his fork to eat.

Meanwhile, Old Mr. Scott turned his attention to Harrison. "How long is the business conference Miriam and Prudent went for?"

Harrison, who had been sipping his wine, set down his glass. "It’s a three-day program," he answered.

Old Mrs. Scott’s face brightened. "Would it be possible for them to join us for the last two days of the vacation?"

Harrison nodded. "They already mentioned that they would make the effort to come, as they haven’t seen you and father in a while."

Old Mrs. Scott smiled proudly. "Good. I’m glad my granddaughters are doing well in their careers."

The moment those words left her lips, the mood at the table shifted slightly.

Harrison, while keeping a pleasant expression, made a subtle yet sharp remark. "I suppose it helps that they aren’t caught up in any scandals, unlike other children. I and their mother’s did well raising them."

The air at the table grew tense.

Richard, who had been cutting his food, set down his knife and fork. His wife, Patricia, stiffened beside him, her grip tightening on her glass.

Patricia gave a short, humorless chuckle. "Knowing one’s place in society does wonders for reputation, unlike some people who see themselves above others and doesn’t even make an effort in the family business," she said smoothly.

Eleanor, who had been quiet until now, let out a soft sigh and muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear, "Yes... everyone in this family certainly knows who married up. They are so tactless and without character."

That was it.

The conversation ignited like a match to dry wood.

Richard turned his gaze to Eleanor, his expression darkening. "If you have something to say, Eleanor, say it properly."

"Oh, I think I was clear enough," Eleanor replied, tilting her head. "Some of us married into this family because it was arranged. Others forced their way in and reaped the benefits."

Patricia scoffed. "It must be exhausting holding onto a grudge for twenty years."

Harrison cut in with a sharp glare. "Maybe if certain people had done their duty, things wouldn’t have turned out this way."

Aurora, who had been quietly eating, paused mid-bite. What is going on?

Xander let out a deep sigh beside her, rubbing his temple as the back-and-forth between his brothers and their wives intensified.

The jabs became more pointed.

The tension grew heavier.

And then—

SLAM!

Old Mr. Scott’s palm landed hard against the table, silencing everyone instantly.

Not a single fork or knife moved.

Richard and Harrison both pressed their lips into thin lines. Patricia and Eleanor turned away from each other, clearly seething.

Xander exhaled before speaking, his voice calm but firm. "Are you really doing this? On Christmas?"

Old Mrs. Scott’s gaze swept across the table. "I don’t want a repeat of this," she warned, her tone carrying a finality that no one dared to challenge.

Silence blanketed the rest of the dinner.

No more quarreling. No more bickering.

Only the sounds of cutlery scraping against plates remained.

---

Later That Night – Xander & Aurora’s Bedroom

As Xander and Aurora lay in bed, the events of the evening replayed in Aurora’s mind. She turned slightly, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Xander," she murmured, "what exactly happened between your brothers?"

Xander let out a breath, running a hand through his hair before answering. "It started a long time ago. I wasn’t even a teenager then."

Aurora listened intently.

"My parents originally arranged for Richard and Eleanor to marry," he began. "But then Patricia entered the picture."

Aurora frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Richard fell for Patricia and decided to break off the arranged engagement with Eleanor. But by then, Eleanor had already fallen in love with him."

Aurora’s eyes widened slightly. "That’s... complicated."

Xander nodded. "Because of a business partnership between both families, my parents and Eleanor’s parents insisted on the marriage happening anyway. But since Richard had already changed his mind, Eleanor was pushed to marry Harrison instead."

Aurora stared at him. "So, your second brother was forced to marry Eleanor?"

"Yes. He had someone else he was dating at the time, but in the end, he was pressured into the marriage."

Aurora lay still, absorbing the information. No wonder Harrison still held resentment against Richard.

She exhaled deeply. "And Eleanor... she must hate Patricia for ruining her chance with Richard."

Xander smirked slightly. "That’s an understatement."

Aurora shook her head. "This is a mess."

Xander chuckled. "You think?"

Aurora let out a sigh. "Well, at least now I know what I’m dealing with."

Xander turned to her, his fingers tracing small circles on her arm. "You sure you can handle this?"

Aurora smirked. "I didn’t get to where I am by being weak, Xander."

His eyes twinkled with amusement. "That’s my girl."

---

Elsewhere in the resort, Owen sat across from his father, Richard, in a quiet corner of the lounge.

Owen leaned forward, his fingers gripping his glass. "Dad, I feel like no one takes me seriously in this family."

Richard took a slow sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down. "Then do something about it."

Chapter 320: Juliet Seeks for Attention

Owen frowned. "What do you mean?"

Richard’s gaze was sharp. "Make a name for yourself. Make me proud for once instead of complaining."

Owen clenched his jaw but said nothing.

Richard continued, his voice carrying weight. "Your cousin sisters, Miriam and Prudent, are building their own empires without relying on our family name. They don’t wait for handouts. They don’t sit around whining about respect."

Owen’s grip on his glass tightened.

But Richard wasn’t finished.

"And let’s not forget," he said coolly, "you had a good woman by your side once—Aurora."

Owen’s jaw twitched.

Richard leaned back in his chair. "But you lost her. And now? You have no choice but to respect her, because she’s now your uncle’s wife."

Owen’s entire body stiffened at the reminder.

Richard smirked. "Let that sink in."

Owen said nothing.

He couldn’t.

Because no matter how much he wanted to deny it—his father was right.

---

The morning was crisp, and the winter sun gleamed over the snow-covered peaks surrounding the Scott family’s private resort. The air smelled fresh, the quiet hum of the heater filling the cozy lounge where Aurora sat, enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea.

Dressed in an elegant yet comfortable wool sweater and leggings, Aurora reclined on the plush armchair near the fireplace. The warmth from the flames crackled softly, complementing the gentle flicker of the candles decorating the room.

Across from her, Juliet took a seat, her expression unreadable. She had been lingering around Aurora more than usual, and from the glint in her eyes, Aurora already knew what was coming.

Juliet folded her hands neatly in her lap, offering a slow smile. "You know, Aurora," she started, her voice light, "I have to admire your boldness."

Aurora said nothing. She simply took another sip of her tea, her face void of expression.

Juliet continued, tilting her head slightly. "It must take a certain kind of woman to date her ex-husband’s uncle and then marry him."

Still, Aurora didn’t react.

Seeing that her words weren’t getting a rise out of her, Juliet’s smile tightened. "You’re glowing," she said after a moment, her eyes flickering to Aurora’s stomach. "Pregnancy must be so much easier when you don’t have to worry about your husband leaving you for someone else."

Aurora calmly set her teacup down on the saucer, her fingers steady, her face unreadable. Then, without missing a beat, she replied, "I guess we would never know."

Silence.

Juliet’s lips parted slightly as if she wanted to respond, but no words came out. Aurora had answered her in the most subtle yet cutting way possible.

Aurora, on the other hand, merely picked up her teacup again and took another sip, completely unbothered.

---

Scott Family Ski Trip.

A short while later, the family gathered at the resort’s private ski lodge, preparing for a day on the slopes. The resort staff had already prepared their skiing gear, and the excitement in the air was almost infectious.

Aurora, wrapped in a thick winter coat with fur-lined gloves, stood beside Xander as he adjusted her scarf. "Is this too tight?" he asked, ensuring she was warm enough.

She shook her head, smiling. "It’s perfect."

Xander nodded in satisfaction before helping her into her boots. While the others were eager to start skiing, his priority remained on her. "Let me know if you get tired," he reminded her.

Juliet, who had been watching them from the side, felt a familiar burn of jealousy crawl up her spine.

Xander was so attentive, so gentle, so present with Aurora. It was a stark contrast to Owen, who stood a few feet away chatting casually with the staff, completely indifferent to her presence.

Unable to contain herself, Juliet reached for Owen’s arm. "Owen," she said sweetly, "help me adjust my gloves."

Owen barely glanced at her. "You can do it yourself."

Juliet’s smile wavered. "But your uncle is helping Aurora. Shouldn’t you—"

Owen exhaled, already annoyed. "Juliet, just wear your gloves. Let’s not make this complicated."

Juliet pursed her lips. "It’s not about the gloves, Owen," she said, her tone sharper now. "It’s about effort."

Owen frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

Juliet huffed, throwing a glance in Aurora’s direction. "Just look at how attentive your uncle is to his wife. You should be treating me like that too!"

Owen’s patience snapped. "Juliet, stop comparing us to them!" he hissed. "Xander is Xander. I am not him."

Juliet crossed her arms. "Well, maybe if you tried a little harder—"

"That’s enough," Owen cut in, his voice hard. He had reached his limit.

Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked away.

"Owen!" Juliet called after him.

He didn’t turn around. He didn’t even spare her a glance.

Juliet’s face turned red with frustration as she watched him disappear down the slope.

---

After a long and eventful day of skiing, the family gradually returned to the lodge to remove their gear and freshen up before dinner.

Owen, having waited for the right moment, approached Xander as he finished unbuckling his ski boots.

"Uncle Xander," he started.

Xander glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "What is it?"

Owen hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "I want back in at the company."

Xander raised a brow. "Is that so?"

Owen nodded. "Yes. I know I messed up before, but I’ve been reflecting on things. I’m serious about this."

Xander studied him for a long moment.

Then, he spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Owen, the problem isn’t your skills or your ability to work. It’s you."

Owen tensed.

"You have no sense of responsibility. You still act on impulse. You make reckless decisions without thinking of the consequences." Xander leaned back, his gaze unwavering. "Until you prove that you’ve changed, I can’t consider bringing you back into the company."

Owen clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his skin. But deep down, he knew Xander was right.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to nod. "Understood."

Xander gave a small nod before standing up. "We’ll see how things go."

Owen remained where he was, fists clenched, feeling a mixture of resentment and realization.

If he wanted respect... if he wanted his place in the family back...

He had to earn it.