Ch. 336..340: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 336-340
Chapter 336: The Poll for Owen’s Worst Wife
"You lied to me. You framed Olivia!" His voice thundered in the room, making Juliet flinch.
Owen didn’t care one bit about Olivia to be furious that she was framed because to him, she was a witch that deserved every evil. But his anger was on the fact that she had gotten the upper hand in this matter.
That was more than a slap to his face.
"Owen, I—I was scared! I was confused!" Juliet grasped for an explanation, anything to soften the storm brewing in his eyes. "I didn’t mean for things to get this far!"
Owen let out a sharp laugh. "You didn’t mean for things to get this far?" He took a step back from the bed as if disgusted. "How about you strategically sneaking into my life and trying to ruin it?"
Juliet sniffled, reaching for his hand. "Owen, please... I swear, I love you! This started as a plan, but my feelings for you are real! And I never meant to ruin your life"
Owen jerked his hand away. "Don’t touch me."
Juliet’s heart dropped.
Owen’s next words were final, absolute.
"Our marriage ends here."
Juliet gasped in shock. "Owen, no! Please, you can’t do this!"
Owen’s expression was void of sympathy. "I should have never married you in the first place. And don’t even think about returning to my house. I will have your things sent to your parents."
"Owen, please! Our marriage is barely three months old!" She clutched the sheets, tears streaming down her cheeks. This can’t be happening!
"Exactly." Owen’s lips curled in disgust. "Thank God, I made you sign a prenup because you’re not getting a single cent from me."
Juliet’s sobs grew louder.
"And everything I ever bought you? I’m taking it back." His voice was cutting, cruel. "Even the shoes on your feet if I have to."
Juliet shook her head frantically. "No, Owen, please don’t do this!"
But Owen had heard enough. With one final glare, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Juliet collapsed into her pillows, her entire body wracked with sobs.
She gritted her teeth, her fists clenching. "Casey... I ruined everything..." she cried breathlessly.
---
Meanwhile, in Vintage Cellar’s CEO office, Aurora stared across the desk at Stephanie, her expression a mix of disappointment and determination.
"Aunt," Aurora began, her voice carefully measured, "Olivia told me that you tried to take her shares."
Stephanie didn’t even flinch. Instead, she folded her hands neatly on the desk and said, "And?"
Aurora’s frown deepened. "So, it’s true?"
Stephanie admitted with a nod. "Olivia isn’t your father’s biological daughter, Aurora. She has no right to those shares."
Aurora exhaled slowly. "Dad already knew Olivia wasn’t his biological daughter, and yet, he still left those shares to her."
Stephanie’s expression darkened. "That was a mistake."
"No, Aunt. Trying to take what doesn’t belong to you is a mistake."
Stephanie’s eyes narrowed. "You’re siding with her now?"
"I’m siding with what’s right." Aurora met her gaze head-on. "Aunt Stephanie, I’m begging you—don’t derail from the right path. Dad entrusted you with a lot. Don’t betray that trust and make him regret it."
Stephanie’s fingers curled slightly.
Aurora, seeing that she had said enough, stood up and left.
Stephanie sat in her office for a long time, staring at nothing, Aurora’s words ringing in her ears.
Was she really betraying Adam’s trust?
For the first time in a long while, Stephanie found herself questioning everything.
***
One Week Later, Tea Time Gossip Blog slams another bombshell exclusive article down for the netizens of Wing City.
---
Tea Time Gossip Blog: Owen Scott’s Marriage Curse Strikes Again!
Oh, dear readers, we couldn’t make this up even if we tried. Grab your popcorn because Wing City’s most dramatic love story has taken another wild turn.
Guess who’s back on the singles market after less than three months of marriage? That’s right—Owen Scott and Juliet William’s grand love affair has officially gone up in flames!
Divorce papers have been filed.
Juliet has been expelled from the Scott family and sent packing.
And get this—she didn’t even set foot in the Scott family mansion after leaving the hospital.
Owen Scott, once the charming prince of Wing City’s elite, is now officially carrying the title of "The Man with the Worst Marriage Luck."
Let’s take a moment to break this down:
Marriage #1 – Olivia Swift. Ended in a disaster within months.
Marriage #2 – Juliet Williams. Barely made it to 90 days before crumbling to dust.
At this point, we’re not sure if the problem is the women or the man himself. But one thing is certain—Owen should seriously consider a long break from relationships.
And speaking of Olivia Swift, our favourite drama queen must be sipping her wine somewhere, laughing her heart out at the news of Owen’s failed marriage. Because, guess what?
She’s coming for blood.
Juliet might have thought she could play games and walk away unscathed, but Olivia is not one to forgive and forget.
The latest update? Olivia has officially sued Juliet for $1,000,000 for false accusations and defamation of character!
One million dollars, folks. You read that right.
Now, let’s be real here. We all know Juliet doesn’t have that kind of money. Will Owen step in to help her pay? Or will he leave her to crash and burn on her own?
One thing is certain—Juliet picked the wrong enemy, and now she’s about to learn why Olivia Swift is NOT someone you cross.
And just for fun, Tea Time has created a poll for our lovely readers:
Who is Owen’s worst wife?
Olivia Swift – the legendary Queen of Chaos
Juliet Williams – the apprentice who failed too quickly
Vote below and let’s see who takes home the crown of Owen’s Most Disastrous Wife.
--
COMMENTS SECTION: THE INTERNET IS IN SHAMBLES!
@MissCynthia:Owen should just stay single at this point. Marriage is clearly not his calling.
@TeaWithTasha:Juliet thought she could play in the big leagues, but sis didn’t even last ONE round. Olivia must be watching like: "That’s cute."
@SavageQueen:Juliet is a learner. Olivia played Owen like a violin and got away with it. Juliet failed at being a villain on her first try.
@TooRichForDrama:Owen’s prenup saved him AGAIN. This man is learning from his mistakes.
@LexieLove:Olivia suing for $1M?? LMAO. She is about to ruin Juliet’s life for real.
@MafiaWifeVibes:Owen deserves this. He left Olivia for his mistress, Juliet, and look at where it got him. KARMA, BABY!
@OwenFanClub:Okay but let’s be honest—Olivia was still the worst wife. Juliet can’t even beat her record.
@ClapbackQueen:Olivia: "I’m about to make sure you regret ever breathing in the same air as me."
@BabyTalk101:Imagine explaining to your future child that you got married twice in one year and lost BOTH wives.
@AnonymousTea:At this point, Owen’s next wife should take insurance before saying ’I do.’
@Wine&Shade:Olivia didn’t even have to do anything. Juliet ruined her own life. ICONIC.
@RealityCheck:Owen should stop blaming women. Clearly, HE is the problem.
--
So, dear readers, what do we think? Is Owen truly cursed when it comes to marriage? Will Juliet survive Olivia’s wrath? And most importantly—who’s taking the crown for Worst Wife?
Cast your votes, drop your comments, and let’s discuss this historic Wing City drama.
Until next time, darlings...
~Tea Time.
Chapter 337: Casey Cuts Ties with Juliet
The dimly lit private room of the upscale club was thick with tension. A single lamp on the centre table cast shadows against the walls, the flickering light barely illuminating the two women seated across from each other.
Casey was seething. Her fingers drummed impatiently against the polished surface of the table as she took in the sight of Juliet—tear-streaked, miserable, and utterly defeated. Pathetic.
"So, this is what failure looks like," Casey muttered, her voice cold as ice.
Juliet sniffled, her swollen eyes darting toward Casey in desperation. "I didn’t mean to ruin everything," she croaked, her voice trembling.
Casey let out a harsh laugh, adjusting her dark shades before crossing her arms. "Didn’t mean to?" she echoed mockingly. Then, in a sharp tone, she snapped, "Then what exactly did you mean to do, Juliet? Because from where I’m standing, all you did was jeopardize our plans and waste my damn time!"
Juliet flinched at the harshness in Casey’s tone, but she quickly wiped her tears with trembling hands. "I—I thought it would work. I thought Olivia would take the bait and push me," she admitted weakly.
Casey’s lips curled into a sneer as she began pacing. "Are you stupid or just plain useless?" she spat. "You had one job—make Olivia the villain. But no, instead, you fell on your own like a damn fool, accused her without proof, and now the whole city knows you’re a liar."
Juliet looked down, ashamed.
"You should have found a way to make her actually push you," Casey continued, her tone laced with venom. "If you wanted to lose the baby so badly for the plan, then at least do it right! But instead, you made Olivia look like the victim, and now I’m the one paying for your stupidity."
Juliet sobbed harder. "I tried!" she defended weakly. "I pushed her buttons, I did everything I could to make her react, but she—she didn’t fall for it."
Casey’s nostrils flared as she let out a sharp breath, clearly trying to contain her anger. She stopped pacing and turned to Juliet, her fingers tightening into fists before releasing them.
"Because of you," Casey said in a low, dangerous voice, "I’ve lost my shot at ruining Olivia. You ruined everything."
Juliet’s lips quivered as she swallowed her cries. At that moment, she remembered something—what Olivia had told her to tell Casey.
"Casey," she whispered hesitantly, "Olivia told me to tell you something."
Casey’s head tilted slightly. "And what would that be?" she asked, her tone sceptical.
"She said... she had nothing to do with your eye," Juliet said carefully, watching Casey’s reaction.
For a moment, Casey was still. Then, she scoffed, her lips twisting into a humourless smile. "Oh, please," she drawled. "That woman is a snake. She will say anything to save herself. And guess what? I don’t care anymore."
Juliet frowned. "You don’t?"
Casey leaned in slightly, her expression unreadable behind her dark shades. "No. Because you’re my problem now."
Juliet stiffened.
Casey exhaled sharply and took a step back, grabbing her purse from the table. "Speaking of problems," she added, her tone now laced with amusement, "how exactly are you planning to pay for that one-million dollar lawsuit Olivia filed against you?"
Juliet’s breath hitched, her stomach twisting painfully. She had been trying not to think about that.
"I—I don’t know," she admitted, shaking her head. "I have nothing left. Owen already threw me out, and my parents... they don’t have that kind of money."
Casey smirked. "Well, sucks to be you, then."
Juliet’s head snapped up, her blood running cold at the finality in Casey’s tone.
"Wait..." she said slowly, panic creeping into her voice. "What do you mean?"
Casey slung her purse over her shoulder and let out a dramatic sigh. "I mean, I’m done here."
Juliet’s breath quickened. "Casey... no."
"Yes," Casey said firmly, stepping toward the door. "Our deal is broken. You screwed it up, and I have no use for you anymore." She reached for the doorknob, pausing only to add, "Don’t ever contact me again."
Juliet’s body went rigid. "No, wait!" she gasped, scrambling to her feet. "You can’t just leave me like this!"
Casey turned her head slightly, a slow smirk forming on her lips. "Oh, but I can."
Panic surged through Juliet as she watched Casey open the door. She felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling. If Casey truly abandoned her, she would have no one left. No allies. No backup plan. Nothing.
She lunged forward, grabbing Casey’s wrist desperately. "Please! You can’t leave me! I have nothing left!"
Casey’s smirk vanished. In a swift motion, she yanked her wrist free and took a step back, her dark shades hiding the sheer disdain in her right eye. "You think I owe you something?" she hissed. "Let me remind you, you ruined everything. You got too greedy, too sloppy, and now? You’re paying for it."
Juliet shook her head rapidly, tears cascading down her cheeks. "I can fix this," she pleaded. "Just—just help me, and I swear, I will make it right!"
Casey let out a chuckle. "There’s nothing left to fix, you idiot." Her voice was dripping with venom. "You’re already drowning, and I have no intention of sinking with you."
Juliet choked on a sob. "But you said we were in this together!"
Casey tilted her head, amusement flickering across her face. "We were. Until you became dead weight."
With that, she took another step toward the door.
Juliet’s hands balled into fists. Desperation turned to anger. "You used me," she spat. "You made me do all the dirty work, and now that things didn’t go as planned, you’re just cutting me off?"
"You are really more stupid than Olivia. It’s no wonder you couldn’t get her!" Casey spat and walked out, slamming the door in her face.
Juliet curled her fists, her heart filled with hatred and pain.
Now, she regretted ever meeting Casey, from joining hands in collaboration with her to wrongfully accusing Olivia, which led to her predicament.
Juliet breaks down into tears as she regrets her actions because now, her life was the one ruined, not Olivia’s or anyone’s.
Chapter 338: Olivia Basks in Joy
The Swift Family’s Residence.
The scent of lavender and coconut filled the air as wisps of steam curled above the warm bathwater. Olivia leaned back against the edge of the tub, her body submerged in the soothing heat while delicate bubbles floated around her.
A satisfied sigh escaped her lips as she adjusted the silk headband holding back her damp hair.
In one hand, she held a flute of chilled champagne; in the other, her tablet, displaying Tea Time’s latest gossip article, before she swiped her finger across the screen to read from another gossip site.
As her eyes scanned the words, a slow, wicked smirk stretched across her lips.
"Owen Scott has officially filed for divorce. His second marriage, which barely lasted three months, has gone up in flames. Sources confirm that he kicked his wife, Juliet, out of his home before she even had a chance to recover from childbirth. The once ’happy couple’ is now nothing more than a disaster story fit for the history books."
Olivia let out a low chuckle, taking a slow sip of her champagne.
"Let’s not forget Olivia Swift, the woman wrongly accused of harming Juliet. If there’s one person we imagine is enjoying this news the most, it’s none other than Owen’s ex-wife. After all, karma works fast, doesn’t it?"
Olivia tossed her head back and laughed. Oh, how poetic this all was.
Reclining deeper into the bubbles, she took another sip, tapping her perfectly manicured nails against the glass. "Oh, these gossip blogs," she murmured, eyes gleaming with amusement. "You all always know exactly what to say."
And as the candlelight flickered around her, Olivia basked in the sweet, intoxicating satisfaction of watching Owen’s world crumble—just as he had once tried to do to hers.
---
The Scott Family’s Main Residence.
Meanwhile, the air in the Scott family’s estate was thick with tension.
Owen stood in the middle of the grand sitting room, his head slightly lowered, as his parents sat across from him with stormy expressions.
His father, Richard, was gripping his cane so tightly that his knuckles had turned white while Patricia sat stiffly beside him, her lips pressed into a tight, disapproving line.
"So," Richard finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the silence like a knife. "After everything, after making a spectacle of yourself, after dragging this family’s name through the mud, after swearing Olivia was guilty—this is what it comes to?"
Owen clenched his fists. "I didn’t know Juliet was lying—"
"You didn’t know?" Patricia snapped, her sharp gaze piercing through him. "Owen, you let your personal grudges blind you! You accused Olivia in public, humiliated her, and you were prepared to send her to prison!"
Richard scoffed. "And to think, we actually defended you. We were foolish enough to believe you were a victim in all this when, in reality, you were nothing but a gullible fool who allowed a scheming woman to ruin him not once but twice."
Owen’s jaw tightened. "Juliet manipulated me—"
"Then how many more women will manipulate you, Owen?" Richard’s voice boomed as he slammed his cane against the floor. "How many times will you let yourself be made a fool of before you finally use your damn brain?"
Owen opened his mouth to argue, but Richard lifted a hand, silencing him immediately.
"I’ve had enough," Richard declared, his voice laced with finality. "You are leaving Wing City."
Owen’s eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"You heard me," Richard continued, his tone brokering no argument. "You will leave this city, this family, and everything tied to our name. Go somewhere else and start over. You have embarrassed us enough."
Patricia, who had been silently fuming, exhaled deeply and turned her gaze to her son. "And one more thing," she said, her voice softer but just as sharp. "Never think about marriage again until you are at least forty. You have proven, time and time again, that you are not mature enough to handle it."
Owen’s face burned with humiliation.
"You can’t be serious—"
Richard shot him a glare. "Do you want to test me?"
Owen clenched his fists, swallowing the bitter taste of defeat. He wanted to argue, to fight back, but deep down, he knew it was useless.
His father had spoken. And this time, there was no escaping the consequences of his entanglements with both Olivia and Juliet.
It was all their fault for putting him in this mess!
***
The Swift Family’s Residence.
The next morning...
The clinking of cutlery echoed softly in the grand dining hall as Olivia took another bite of her scrambled eggs, savouring the taste with a satisfied smile. She leaned back slightly in her chair, crossing one leg over the other, the picture of a woman who had just emerged victorious.
Across from her, Stephanie ate her meal at a steady pace, occasionally glancing at her smug expression.
Stephanie finally broke the silence. "You seem to be in a good mood this morning," she remarked, setting down her glass of orange juice.
Olivia smirked, dabbing the corner of her lips with a napkin. "Of course, I am. My enemies have been put to shame, and best of all, you didn’t get your hands on my shares." She took another sip of her coffee, her satisfaction evident in the way she held her cup.
Stephanie scoffed, shaking her head. "You must be really proud of yourself, managing to get Aurora to save you," she said dryly.
Olivia’s smirk widened. "Actually, yes, I am," she said, tilting her head slightly. "Unlike some people, she chose to set her grudges aside and help me when I needed it. That’s what having a family is all about."
Stephanie said nothing, choosing instead to continue eating her meal as though Olivia’s jab hadn’t landed.
After finishing the last bite of her toast, Olivia pushed her chair back and stood up, stretching lazily. "Soon, I will be done with my therapy," she announced, placing her hands on her hips. "And when that happens, I will be free of all my shackles."
Stephanie looked up at her and arched a brow. "Good luck with that," she said flatly before taking another sip of her tea.
Olivia chuckled to herself, picked up her phone, and sauntered out of the dining hall, still basking in her small victory.
Chapter 339: Twins?
A Week Later.
Aurora sat comfortably on the couch in her bedroom, her legs tucked beneath her as she held her phone in front of her face.
The moment the video call connected, Xander’s face appeared on the screen, his sharp features slightly softened by the warm light in his room.
The sight of him made her heart swell with longing.
"You look tired," she noted with a pout.
Xander chuckled, rubbing a hand over his face. "Long day. We’re finalizing everything before we move in on the crime location."
Aurora’s pout deepened. "So, how much longer before you come home?"
Xander exhaled, leaning back against the chair he was sitting on. "Three weeks, give or take."
Aurora sighed dramatically, her shoulders dropping. "That’s still too long."
Xander smirked. "You act like you don’t know what my job entails."
"I do," Aurora murmured, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on her stomach. Then, as if remembering something, she perked up and narrowed her eyes playfully. "Speaking of Octavia Empire... have you run into Princess Victoria yet?"
Xander raised a brow before bursting into laughter. "You’re seriously asking me that?"
Aurora crossed her arms. "I’m curious."
"No, sweetheart," Xander said, still amused. "She’s off on some royal tour with her fiancé—some prince from another kingdom."
Aurora’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Oh." She was extra happy knowing that Victoria was engaged now, and also too far away to do anything to her man.
Xander smirked knowingly. "You’re smiling now."
"Maybe."
He shook his head fondly and changed the topic. "How’s our baby doing?"
Aurora’s expression softened. "Kicking a lot lately. My belly is growing bigger by the day, and I won’t lie, I’m a little worried."
Xander’s brows furrowed immediately. "Worried? Isn’t that normal?"
Aurora shrugged. "I don’t know, but just to be safe, I booked an appointment with my doctor tomorrow."
Xander nodded, immediately in protective-husband mode. "Take Nene and Liam with you."
Aurora chuckled. "Of course, I will. And Abigail is also coming along."
They talked for a while longer, sharing little details about their days. Eventually, Xander sighed, his voice turning soft. "I miss you."
Aurora smiled, her heart aching at the longing in his tone. "Then hurry up and finish your mission so you can come home."
Xander smirked. "I will."
---
The next afternoon, Aurora arrived at the hospital with Abigail by her side. As they sat in the consultation room, Aurora voiced her concerns to her doctor.
The doctor smiled kindly. "Let’s run a scan to be sure everything is all right."
Aurora and Abigail followed her into the exam room. Aurora lay down as the doctor applied the cold gel to her belly and began the ultrasound. Abigail, standing beside her, watched the screen with curiosity.
Then, the doctor’s expression changed into one of surprise.
"Well, well... congratulations, Mrs. Scott," the doctor announced with a warm smile. "I see you’re having twins."
Aurora’s breath hitched. "What?"
Abigail gasped in excitement. "Twins?! Auro, you’re having twins!"
Aurora’s mouth fell open as she stared at the screen in disbelief. "But... my previous scans showed only one baby..."
The doctor chuckled. "Sometimes one twin hides behind the other in early scans. But here they are, healthy and growing."
Aurora felt tears prick her eyes. She wished Xander was here to witness this precious moment with her.
"Can I have the scan pictures?" she asked softly.
"Of course."
As the doctor printed the images, she glanced at Aurora. "Would you like to know the genders now?"
Aurora hesitated before shaking her head. "No."
Abigail gawked at her. "Why not? It will help with the shopping!"
Aurora grinned. "Xander and I already bought clothes for both genders when we were in Switzerland."
Abigail shook her head with a chuckle. "You two are unbelievable."
---
Outside the hospital, Abigail linked her arm to Aurora’s. "So, are you going to tell Xander now or wait until he comes back from his long business trip?"
Aurora felt a pang of guilt for lying to her best friend about Xander being on a business trip. But there was nothing she could do about it.
"I will wait until he returns," she replied with a giggle.
Abigail hugged her from the side. "You’re in for a fun ride, mama." Then, letting out a sigh, she adds, "I wish Asher could take my calls often. I don’t know why these men chose this time to go on a long business trip."
As Abigail left, Nene followed Aurora closely behind. Liam pulled up the car, and Nene opened the door for Aurora.
As soon as Aurora settled inside with a smile, Nene buckled up and glanced at her. "Ma’am, is there good news?"
Aurora beamed. "Yes! The scan showed I’m having twins."
Nene’s mouth fell open before she quickly recovered. "Oh my goodness! Congratulations, Ma’am!"
Liam, glancing through the rearview mirror, added, "Congratulations, Ma’am."
Aurora smiled. "Thank you." Then, she turned serious. "But don’t inform Xander. I want to be the one to tell him when he returns."
Nene and Liam nodded in unison.
"Good," Aurora said. "Now, take me to the Scott old house. I want to share the good news with Xander’s parents."
---
The moment Aurora stepped into the house, Xander’s parents looked up in surprise.
"My dear, you should have told me you were coming," Old Mrs. Scott said. "I would’ve had the kitchen prepare something special for you."
Aurora smiled warmly. "It wasn’t planned. I just came from the hospital."
The old couple’s faces turned alarmed.
"Hospital?" Old Mr. Scott’s voice deepened. "Is there a problem?"
Aurora quickly reassured them. "No, no. I was just worried about how fast my belly is growing, so I went for a scan."
Old Mrs. Scott sighed in relief. "And?"
Aurora grinned. "I’m having twins."
The room fell silent for a split second before both elders erupted in excitement.
"Twins?!" Old Mr. Scott exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.
Old Mrs. Scott clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with pure joy. "Oh, my dear girl! That is wonderful news!"
Aurora giggled as she watched their expressions turn from shock to overwhelming happiness.
"Let me see the scan," Old Mrs. Scott eagerly requested, reaching for Aurora’s hand.
Aurora carefully took the printed scan photos from her purse and handed them over. The old lady adjusted her glasses as she examined the images.
"Oh, look at them," she gushed. "Two little blessings. Xander will be over the moon when he hears about this."
Old Mr. Scott chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That boy better hurry up and come back. Otherwise, he will miss all the fun."
Aurora sighed. "I know. I wish he was here when I found out."
Old Mrs. Scott reached out and gently patted Aurora’s hand. "He will be back soon, dear. And when he comes, he will make up for the time lost."
Aurora smiled warmly at the old woman’s reassurance.
A few minutes later, Old Mrs. Scott turned to Nene. "Go to the kitchen and tell them to prepare some chicken soup for my daughter-in-law. She must eat well for the babies."
"Yes, Ma’am," Nene replied and hurried off.
As Nene left, Old Mrs. Scott turned back to Aurora with a determined expression. "You’re not going home tonight."
Aurora blinked. "I’m not?"
Old Mr. Scott nodded. "You will spend the night here. No arguing."
Aurora chuckled, shaking her head at their unwavering insistence. "All right, all right. I will stay."
Old Mrs. Scott clapped her hands again. "Wonderful! Now, let’s make sure you’re comfortable."
Aurora basked in their warmth, feeling truly loved and cared for. Even though Xander was far away, she wasn’t alone.
Chapter 340: Viktor Reagent
Xander and Asher stood, adjusting their disguises before stepping out of the black SUV.
Their team had worked hard to create perfect undercover identities for them—Xander was now "Elias Grayson," an ex-mercenary looking for work in the underworld, while Asher had taken on the alias "Noel Carter," a wealthy arms dealer with international connections.
Their new identities had already been leaked into criminal networks, so they wouldn’t be questioned about who they were wherever they went.
A few weeks after arriving at Octavia Empire, they met their first lead, Dimitri Vasiliev. He was the mid-level player in the arms trade.
Getting close to him was the only way to find out where the real bosses were.
Dimitri tested Xander and Asher at the first meeting. In the end, they gained his trust.
But Xander got to find out through that test that whoever Dimitri was working for didn’t just want allies. They wanted killers.
Xander kept feeling something unsettling about the mission. Since it was just a gut feeling, he merely shared it with Asher.
And Asher had given a small chuckle and replied, "You always say that before things go to hell." Though there was a sharp edge to his gaze.
---
Finally, today, Xander and Asher were meeting one of the bosses who called the shots.
Xander and Asher arrived at the rendezvous point Dimitri had sent them—the basement of an exclusive, members-only casino in the heart of Octavia. Unlike the neon-lit chaos of the main floor, this underground level was eerily quiet, save for the low murmur of conversations and the occasional clinking of glasses.
Xander adjusted the cuff of his tailored jacket, his sharp eyes scanning the room. The space was dimly lit, with high-stakes poker tables scattered around and well-dressed men indulging in expensive cigars.
It was the kind of place where fortunes were won and lost in a single hand, but tonight, they weren’t here to gamble with money.
They were here to gamble with their lives.
Asher, ever the smooth talker, smirked as he stepped forward, leading the way. "Dimitri sure knows how to pick a meeting spot," he mused. "Looks like a place where secrets go to die."
Xander wasn’t in the mood for jokes. His instincts were on high alert. The deeper they got into this mission, the more dangerous it became.
At the far end of the room, Dimitri stood near a set of double doors, waiting. He gave them an acknowledging nod before leading them inside.
The room beyond was a stark contrast to the lavish casino—a simple yet elegant conference room with a long mahogany table in the center. At the head of the table sat a man neither Xander nor Asher had expected to see.
Viktor Reagent.
Xander’s blood ran cold.
Asher stiffened beside him, his casual demeanour vanishing in an instant.
The Reagent family. The very people who wanted Xander dead.
Viktor, dressed in a dark blue suit, leaned back in his chair, his fingers lazily tapping against the armrest. His sharp features and piercing gaze gave him an air of superiority, and the smug smirk on his lips made it clear—he knew exactly who they were.
"Well, well," Viktor drawled. "What an unexpected surprise."
Dimitri, oblivious to the tension, gestured for them to sit. "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the man who runs the real business in this city. If you want in, you go through him."
Xander remained standing. His mind was racing. How had Viktor found out? Was their cover blown?
Asher recovered quickly, sliding into one of the chairs with a relaxed smile. "Didn’t think we’d be meeting royalty tonight."
Viktor chuckled. "Oh, please. No need for formalities. I’m just a businessman." His gaze flickered to Xander. "And you... you must be Elias Grayson."
Xander clenched his jaw. He had two choices—continue playing along or assume the worst.
He chose the former.
He smirked, lowering himself into the chair across from Viktor. "That’s right. And you must be the man with all the answers."
Viktor studied him for a moment, then let out an amused hum. "Perhaps." He leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "Tell me, Elias, what exactly do you and your associate have to offer me?"
Xander forced himself to relax, but every fiber of his being was on edge. If Viktor knew the truth, this wasn’t a business meeting—it was a trap.
And they had just walked straight into it.
---
For the next twenty minutes, Xander and Asher played their roles to perfection. They spoke of smuggling routes, weapon access, and high-level security operations—everything that would convince Viktor they were valuable assets.
Viktor listened, nodding occasionally, but there was something in his expression—an amusement that unsettled Xander.
Then, without warning, Viktor snapped his fingers.
The door behind them opened, and a guard stepped inside, carrying a sleek black tablet. He handed it to Viktor, who turned the screen toward them.
Xander’s stomach dropped.
It was a grainy surveillance photo of himself—without the disguise—taken from the last time he had been in Octavia.
Asher stiffened.
Viktor’s smirk widened. "Tell me, Elias... do you believe in coincidences?"
Xander’s muscles coiled, preparing for a fight. He had his answer.
Their cover was blown.
---
For a moment, the room was silent. The air thickened with tension as Xander and Asher processed the undeniable truth—their mission had been compromised.
Xander’s grip tightened beneath the table, his mind working at lightning speed. Escape routes, possible weapons within reach, the number of guards outside—he analyzed everything within seconds.
Viktor Reagent’s smirk deepened as he leaned back into his chair, completely at ease. "You know, when I first received word that two new players were sniffing around, I was curious." He tapped the screen of the tablet, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Imagine my delight when I discovered that one of them was none other than Xander Scott."
Asher’s smirk never faltered, but his eyes were razor-sharp as he casually folded his arms. "Must be an honour to meet us, then."
Viktor chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Noel—or should I say, Asher Moore—I will admit, I do admire the effort. The disguises, the fake identities... truly impressive. But you made one mistake."
Xander didn’t move, his gaze locked onto Viktor’s. "And what would that be?"
Viktor placed the tablet down and adjusted his cuffs. "You underestimated how much the Reagent family wants you dead."
The moment the words left his mouth, the door burst open. And six armed men stormed inside with their weapons raised.
Dimitri, who had been sitting silently the entire time, quickly pushed his chair back and lifted his hands in surrender. "Viktor, what the hell is this?"
Viktor didn’t even glance at him. "You did your job, Dimitri. Now step aside before you get caught in the crossfire."