Ch. 56..60: Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire Chapter 56-60

Chapter 56: A Surprising Turn-Out

Aurora was silent, her mind reeling from the weight of Dr. Lee’s words. Finally, she lifted her gaze, her voice tight with disappointment. "Are you saying there’s no hope of ever recovering all my memories?"

Dr. Lee met her gaze, choosing her words carefully. "There is still hope. We can wait for the fragments to return over time, though it may take a while. Or, we can attempt hypnosis. I’ll support whichever choice you feel ready for, as long as it’s safe for you."

Aurora’s mind raced. Waiting indefinitely was unbearable; each passing day felt like agony. The thought of the memories slipping away forever gnawed at her.

Taking a steadying breath, she whispered, "Let’s try hypnosis."

Dr. Lee searched her face for any hesitation, nodding when she found none. "All right, Aurora. We’ll proceed carefully. Just remember, clarity may not come immediately."

Aurora gave a small nod, her hands clenched in her lap. "I understand. Let’s start."

Dr. Lee dimmed the lights and took a seat beside Aurora, her voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Close your eyes. Breathe deeply and let my voice guide you."

Aurora exhaled slowly, feeling her shoulders relax as Dr. Lee’s calm tone settled around her.

"Picture yourself in that dim living room with your parents," Dr. Lee intoned softly. "Allow your mind to return there. Let the memory unfold."

Minutes passed, Aurora’s breathing softened as her consciousness drifted deeper. Dr. Lee’s steady voice wove through her thoughts, leading her gently through the fog of memories.

"Do you see anything, Aurora?" Dr. Lee asked, her tone gentle but steady.

A faint crease formed on Aurora’s brow, her eyelids fluttering. "Yes," she whispered distantly. "A man...his face is blurred. I think he’s my dad, but...he’s leaving." Her voice cracked, her hands trembling.

Dr. Lee’s expression softened. "Hold onto it, Aurora. Can you reach out to him? Try to see his face more clearly."

Aurora’s breaths quickened, her expression flickering with pain and uncertainty. "I—I don’t know...My head—" She gasped, clutching her temples as pain flared. "Ah!"

"Aurora!" Dr. Lee’s calm faltered as she reached forward, shaking Aurora gently. "Come back to me—to the hospital. Open your eyes."

Aurora groaned softly, her eyes fluttering open, her face flushed. "M-My head...It hurts," she managed, hands still pressed to her temples.

"It’s okay," Dr. Lee soothed, knowing the toll it had taken.

After a few minutes, as Aurora’s breathing steadied, Dr. Lee spoke carefully. "Aurora, it’s clear we can’t force these memories back through hypnosis."

"Why?" Aurora asked, her voice raw. Her mind throbbed with pain, as though her skull might split in two.

"The technique used to suppress your memories is...unusual. Even I can’t determine what could prevent hypnosis from reaching them." Dr. Lee sighed, a trace of helplessness in her gaze. "Your best options are to wait for the memories to return naturally or...to go back to your father."

Aurora’s shoulders slumped, the hope she’d clung to fading.

Dr. Lee gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "You’ll get closure, Aurora. In time, the answers will come."

Tears slipped from Aurora’s eyes, tracing a path down her cheeks as the harsh reality settled around her.

---

In another doctor’s office, Wing City’s famed playboy, Victor, winced as the cast was finally removed from his left arm.

"How does it feel?" the doctor asked, watching him carefully.

Victor flexed his hand and, feeling no pain, his eyes brightened. "Feels good—ready to throw a punch."

"If you want those nerves to stay intact, avoid putting strain on your right hand," the doctor advised firmly. "No heavy lifting, uncomfortable positions, or punches."

Victor shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Noted. Anything else?"

"Take your medications," the doctor replied, dismissing him.

Leaving the office, Victor’s phone rang. Recognizing Stella Swift’s voice, a sly smile spread across his face.

"To what do I owe the honour of this call, Mrs. Swift?" he asked, chuckling as he headed for the elevator.

"Meet me at Green Tea Café right now. It’s urgent," Stella said.

"On my way," he replied, eager to know what Stella was planning.

As the elevator doors slid open, Victor stepped inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. The doors had barely shut before the elevator lurched to a stop, and they opened once more.

Victor looked up, his breath catching as Aurora stepped in. Instinctively, he backed into the corner, his heart pounding. Her unexpected presence sent a jolt through him.

Aurora’s gaze flicked over him, taking in his polished appearance with only a slight raise of her brow before she glanced at the button on the elevator to see the lobby’s button was already on.

Aurora stepped back. Heyes were distant, and her quiet sigh seemed to fill the small space.

An uneasy silence stretched between them, the seconds crawling by as they descended. When the doors opened again, Aurora stepped out without a glance, leaving Victor standing alone, a knot of shock and confusion tightening in his chest.

"What the hell just happened?" Victor’s mind raced as he stepped out of the elevator, his eyes glued to Aurora’s retreating figure disappearing down the corridor. He paused, excitement crackling beneath his skin as he tried to process the scene that had just unfolded.

He had shared an elevator with Aurora Swift, the woman he’d nearly cornered only weeks ago. But the strangest part? She hadn’t recognized him. There was not a flicker of recognition in her eyes, just a cool, detached glance before she’d turned away.

Victor paced, glancing back toward the path she’d taken. "Is this really happening?" he muttered to himself, his heart pounding at the unexpected twist. When Aurora had first stepped into the elevator, he’d braced himself, expecting her to scream or call for security. Instead, she had barely noticed him.

The realization hit, and a deep, triumphant laugh erupted from his chest. "Hah! This is perfect," he muttered, grinning to himself.

Minutes later, Victor sat across from Stella in the private tea room she had reserved.

"It’s such an honour to finally meet you," Victor said, setting his teacup down on the table. Tea was not his thing. He would have been more appreciative if there was a bottle of bear in front of him to celebrate his arm finally getting off the cast.

"I wouldn’t say the same," Stella said, peering at him from her teacup.

Chapter 57: Joining Heads Together

The smile on Victor’s face disappeared. He cleared his throat and leaned out of his seat.

"I understand you are still disappointed for my failure at the simple task you assigned me," he said to Stella. "And I seek your forgiveness."

Stella waved his apology off, seemingly uninterested in hearing them since he was no longer a good pawn to her. She had invited him for tea to clarify a few things and after that, she would get rid of him.

"Are you the one that has been sending bouquets to my stepdaughter every Tuesday?" Stella asked.

Victor adjusted his jean jacket and looked away, silently admitting to the fact.

"Did you lose your senses in that accident?!" Stella narrowed her gaze at him as a lump formed in her throat. If only it was possible, she would have strangled Victor the second he stepped into the room. "Have you forgotten you failed at your task? What if Aurora finds out you are the one sending those bouquets? Are you trying to drag me and my daughter into the mess?"

It took a moment for Victor to finally understand Stella’s anger. He had thought she was mad at him for failing to take advantage of Aurora back then, but it turns out that she was afraid that their previous plans would be discovered.

Victor sighed in relief as he set out to explain himself. "If you are concerned about Aurora finding out the bouquets are from me, you don’t have to worry about it. She doesn’t recognize me."

"What do you mean she doesn’t recognize you?" Stella questioned, eyeing him sceptically.

Victor crossed his leg over the other with a proud smile as he replied, "I bumped into her at the hospital. We rode the same elevator, and it was only us. If she had recognized me, she would have screamed and quickly got off. Instead, she casually glanced my way and only stepped out when the elevator stopped at the lobby."

Stella scoffed, a small smile appearing on her lips as she picked up her teacup. ’So, she was bluffing when she mentioned she remembered what the man that attacked her looked like?’

’That little sly.’ Stella had a good laugh as she thought of how Aurora played her. If only the latter hadn’t said that to her, she wouldn’t have bothered to orchestrate Victor’s accident and try to kill him in the crash.

On the other hand, Victor relaxed his shoulders and reached for his tea seeing that Stella was happy with the report. But once the tea hit his tongue, he put the cup back down.

As Stella set her teacup down, a thought came to her. Fixing her gaze on Victor, she asked, "Is today your first time meeting Aurora since your accident?"

"Yes," Victor answered.

Stella sank into deep thought as she recalled the Martin car Olivia had mentioned. At least she has confirmed that the owner of that car was different from the person sending the bouquets to Aurora.

Also, Stella remembered Victor mentioning that Aurora was rescued by a man that evening from Olivia’s engagement party and wondered if he was the same person who owned that Martin car.

"Can you recognize the man who saved Aurora that night if you see him again?" Stella asked. And seeing Victor deliberating on the question, she found Xander’s photo on her phone and showed it to him. "Is he the man from that night?"

Stella still had doubts about Aurora and Xander’s relationship even though the latter had denied it and even punished the bloggers for it, so, she just wanted to clarify the idea in her head.

Victor stared at Xander’s photo for a moment before tilting his head to the side. He looked clearly confused.

"I’m not quite sure about it." How could he remember the face of the man that knocked him out with just one blow? Besides, he was a little drunk when that incident happened. "But I can definitely remember what his voice sounds like."

Stella grunted, snatching her phone from his hand. What a big disappointment!

"I have a few tasks for you," Stella said to Victor as her gaze turned serious.

"I am at your service." Victor offered a bow as a wild grin appeared on his lips. "As long as we strike a deal."

Stella scoffed inwardly and asked what his deal was all about.

"I still want a moment with your stepdaughter," Victor confessed as he bit his lower lip, patiently waiting for her reaction.

Stella shrugged. "I don’t care what you do with her as long as you listen to me and fulfil all the tasks I will be assigning to you."

"We have a deal then." He gestured to her as he relaxed his back into the seat, obviously satisfied with her response. "I’m all ears."

"Keep sending the bouquet to Aurora as you have been doing, but be careful not to leave any information that can be traced back to you," Stella instructed. "Be aware that the man who saved Aurora from you that night might still recognize you, so be careful not to bump into him."

Victor playfully saluted her as the grin on his face widened. "Roger that."

"Do not make any new move on Aurora without informing me. Share every new information you get about her with me. Notify me as soon as you see that man from that night and look out for new instructions from me," Stella concluded.

Victor accepted every order from Stella. He had no problems with any of them as long as he was allowed to do whatever he wanted to Aurora.

"If I may ask, what is your end goal for Aurora?" Victor asked, raising a curious brow as he clasped his fingers together.

Stella narrowed her gaze at him and poured more tea for herself. It was clear that she was annoyed by being questioned by someone like him who hadn’t the rights in the first place.

"I don’t see how any of that should be your business. It seems to me that you have forgotten your place," She sneered.

Victor chuckled, leaning in with an easy smile. "I’m asking for insight. It might give me some creative ways to help you...fully accomplish whatever you have in mind for her."

Chapter 58: A Call from Xander

Stella eyed him sceptically. "When it’s time for you to know about my end goal, I will inform you. For now, stop being nosey and stick to your job description."

"Okay." Victor lifted his hands in surrender with a smirk lingering at the corners of his lips. He was already excited as he felt he would have a lot of fun doing Stella’s bidding. As long as he got what he wanted in the end, he wouldn’t mind anything else.

---

Aurora arrived home and requested painkillers and a head massage. She looked so exhausted as she sank into the sofa and waited for Nene to return.

A few minutes later, Nene returned with the things she requested. Aurora swallowed the pills and relaxed into the seat, allowing Nene to massage her temples with a cool towel.

"Your day didn’t go well?" Nene inquired as her fingers gently kneaded Aurora’s temples before slowly making their way into her scalp.

"I don’t even know anymore." Aurora released a deep breath and shut her eyes.

"Want me to make you a chilled glass of cocktail or mocktail?" Nene probed. As soon as Aurora heard that, she sat up and turned to look at her.

"Please, I will need two glasses. My heart is burning," Aurora said to her. Aurora was burning in rage knowing that she couldn’t do anything to restore her memories other than to wait for it to come back to her, or pray her father changed his mind and told her everything she needed to know.

And waiting for when any of that will happen was like waiting for when heaven will come down to earth.

Nene left for the kitchen and ordered the live-in bartender to make one glass of cocktail and one glass of mocktail for Aurora.

When she returned, she saw Aurora putting away her ringing phone. She ignored it and continued with the massage until the phone rang again.

"What sort of weird caller ID is this? I can’t even see the number." Aurora stared at her phone screen for a moment and was about to put it down when Nene suddenly said, "It might be Mr. Scott."

"Really?" As soon as Aurora asked that question, she remembered Xander saying he would try to call her in the middle of his mission if he got the chance and her eyes widened in realization.

"Ma’am, answer the call before it disconnects," Nene reminded her in a panicked tone and immediately, Aurora reflectively swiped her finger across the screen to take the call.

"Hello," Aurora greeted and immediately, Xander’s deep voice reached her ears. "What took my beautiful wife so long to answer the call?"

"I’m so sorry. I had no idea you were the one calling with a weird number." Aurora quickly apologized as she felt her heart race in her chest.

"I missed you a lot, Sweetheart," Xander confessed. "Unfortunately, I can only spend five minutes with you on the phone. How are you?"

Aurora’s first instinct was to ask why he could only spend a few minutes on the phone with her after only reaching out to her two weeks after he left, but instead, she chose to enjoy the little time they have now.

"I’m good," she answered to his question.

"How is your work? Is anyone troubling you?" Xander inquired.

Aurora heaved a sigh. "You will have to come back home to find out about it."

Instantly, Xander let out a deep throaty chuckle. "Okay, I will. But if you need anything in the meantime, you can ask Nene or Asher, they will assist you."

"How is your mission going? When are you coming back?" Aurora questioned. She wasn’t interested in the help he had to offer. She missed him a lot, especially during this period she was going through a lot emotionally.

She wished he was right next to her to comfort her and tell her what to do next as she had long run out of options.

"It seems like you do miss a lot," Xander teased with a tinge of laughter in his tone. It was very obvious that he was happy knowing that Aurora reciprocated his feelings.

"In your dreams!" Aurora remarked, attempting to drown his fantasies.

"Don’t worry, we don’t need to argue about that, I know how you feel," Xander said, trying to maximize the little time they have left. "I don’t think I will get the chance to call you before I return. If you have anything to tell me before you see me, now is the opportunity."

Aurora almost rolled her eyes. "You called me after so long and now you are rushing the conversation because you don’t have enough time to chitchat. Forget it, I don’t have anything to say to you."

"Come on, don’t be mad at me." Xander tried to placate her still with a smile on his lips as he took two steps forward in the dark alley. "I’m sorry, okay? Do not worry, I will spend a lot of time with you when I come back this time around. Think of a travel destination and we will talk about it when I return."

Aurora mouthed a few incoherent words and relaxed her back on the couch. Already, Nene had left her side a few seconds into the call.

Seeing that Aurora didn’t want to say anything more to him, Xander continued in his attempt to appease her.

"Sweetheart, I have a surprise for you."

"Are you buying me an island?" Aurora asked jokingly as she crossed her leg over the other.

Xander chuckled softly. "That’s not the surprise, I have something else for you. But if you want an island, we can look at a few places when I come back so you can pick the best option and I will—."

"I was joking," Aurora cut him off. "I don’t need any island from you. Tell me, what’s the surprise you have for me?"

"Since it’s a surprise, you can only wait until I return, okay? Sweetheart, wait for your husband to return. Bye," Xander said to her before smooching kisses on his phone.

Chapter 59: Playing A Dangerous Game

After ending the call with Aurora, Xander tucked the phone away, his expression hardening as he stepped out from the dimly lit alley.

Beneath the dim glow of the city’s neon lights, his altered appearance—a concealed identity with hardened, unrecognizable features—camouflaged him among the shadows. His stride was confident as he crossed the street toward the throbbing bass beats of the nearby nightclub.

Inside, flashing lights cast chaotic bursts over the packed dance floor as patrons revelled in the thick haze of smoke and heat. Xander cut through the crowd, his sharp gaze locked ahead as he bypassed the dance floor and ascended a narrow staircase leading to a secluded section.

Two burly guards stood before a door at the top, their faces stone-cold as they sized him up. "Sekem," one of them greeted him, a hint of respect laced in his tone.

With a slight nod, Xander submitted to the routine frisk, arms held out as their hands roamed his suit. Finding nothing, they opened the door, allowing him into the room, where a different world awaited—a darkened haven for men of power and malice.

The air was thick with smoke and the scent of whiskey, and the low notes of jazz reverberated against the walls. Around the spacious room, dangerous men lounged with an air of authority, attended by women whose expressions teetered between seduction and fear.

Bottles of scotch lined the tables, and transparent packets of white powder sat beside stacks of cash, the stakes for a high-stakes chess game currently underway.

Xander approached the group, exchanging firm handshakes with the men seated around the room, his demeanour relaxed yet watchful. He settled into a space on the leather couch, maintaining an impassive face as he observed the game, allowing each move and muttered taunt to sink into his awareness.

The man beside him offered him a cigarette, but Xander waved it off. "I quit. Bad lungs," he explained smoothly, his tone indifferent. The wary glances around him softened, the tension dissipating as his answer was taken as the truth.

When the game ended, the loser slammed his fist onto the table, shouting obscenities as he lamented his loss of both money and powder. The others laughed, ribbing him over his defeat, while Xander’s eyes never left the scene, absorbing every dynamic, every clue.

Just then, a knock at the door interrupted the jeers, and a middle-aged woman entered, leading three young women into the room. She directed her attention to a man sitting alone on a single couch: Mr. Derek. A well-known crime figure, Derek exuded a dark, calculated charisma. He regarded the women with a cold, assessing gaze, dismissing the older woman with a wave before zeroing in on a particular young woman among them—a nervous girl with sleek black hair and a short, crimson dress.

Derek grabbed her arm, dragging her over to Xander. "This one’s for you, Sekem," he sneered, pushing the girl forward with a smirk. Xander met the girl’s terrified gaze and then returned Derek’s stare with a flat, unimpressed expression.

"I’m not interested," he replied, taking a deliberate sip from his glass. The room fell silent, the laughter dying as the jazz music ceased, replaced by an almost suffocating stillness.

One of the men broke the silence with a mocking laugh. "You don’t like women, Sekem? Prefer men, do you?"

Xander glared at him with a flash of irritation. "Careful what you suggest," he growled. The man quickly raised his hands in surrender, while Derek watched, amusement glinting in his eyes.

"Then what’s wrong with her?" Derek’s tone turned dangerous as he drew a gun from his coat pocket, and pressed it to the girl’s temple. She gasped, trembling as the cold metal touched her skin. "If she’s not good enough to please you, Sekem, she’s as good as dead."

The tension in the room skyrocketed as Derek cocked the gun, his gaze locked on Xander. Xander’s mind calculated his response, aware of every eye trained on him, every expectation for him to react with rage or fear.

"If you want to kill her, don’t let me stop you," Xander replied coldly, leaning back casually. "But if you want to know why I refused her, I’ll tell you. I don’t accept women who have been used."

The room burst into laughter, the tension defused as Derek lowered his weapon, laughing alongside his associates. Even the girl, visibly shaken, managed a relieved breath, though she kept her gaze on the floor.

Derek stashed the gun back into his coat and retook his seat, grinning at Xander. "Sekem, you should have said so from the start. Thought you were angling for a bloodbath." He motioned to another girl in the lineup. "You—go to Sekem. Give him what he wants."

The girl approached, tentative, her steps faltering as she extended a hand to touch Xander’s face. In an instant, he snatched her by the neck, his grip firm as he feigned fury.

"Sekem, don’t kill the girl!" someone shouted as others jumped up, horrified. Xander held the girl in a controlled grip, watching Derek’s reaction from the corner of his eye. Derek was amused, his fingers tapping idly on the armrest, entertained by the scene.

Xander let his expression turn cold as he tightened his hold slightly, then shoved the girl away, wiping his hand with a napkin from the table. She stumbled to the floor, coughing, her eyes wide with fear.

Derek laughed heartily, gesturing to the room. "All of you, watch your steps around Sekem. Cross him, and you’ll have me to answer to."

The men murmured in agreement, watching as Xander pretended to simmer down, refilling his glass and downing the scotch with a grimace. Inside, his mind was a hive of thoughts, each move calculated, each action part of a larger plan.

"I’m not in the mood for blood," he finally gritted out, forcing a scowl. "All I care about is the safe arrival of my container. Customs sniffing around might spell trouble for us all."

Derek chuckled and signalled for another drink. "We’ll handle customs. As for you, Sekem—try to relax. Tonight’s for pleasure, not business."

Xander nodded, though his mind remained on the mission, the next step of his infiltration unfolding as he melted into the shadows of the dangerous company he’d willingly entered.

 

Chapter 60: A Ray of Hope

Aurora’s restlessness only grew, her biological father’s identity gnawing at her thoughts whenever they drifted. Adam’s refusal to say anything fanned her frustration, and she found herself resenting her mother too. What gave her the right to order Adam to keep this from me?

But the mystery around her father wasn’t the only torment. Her deliberately erased memories weighed just as heavily, a twisted reminder that someone had gone to lengths to keep her in the dark.

"I must look like a fool, believing everyone’s lies," she muttered, sitting in the glasshouse as the scent of flowers tried in vain to soothe her. "Surely, Mum would have left something, right?"

The thought struck her suddenly, and she bolted from the glasshouse, her purpose sharp and unyielding. Once inside, she called for Nene to prepare the car and dashed upstairs for her purse.

Nene appeared shortly, her brow lifting with curiosity. "Where to, ma’am?"

"Come along if you’re free," Aurora replied, her tone brooking no argument. Nene’s quick steps followed her without hesitation.

At her apartment, Aurora went straight to her mother’s belongings, tearing through drawers, shelves, and boxes. She was relentless, searching every hidden corner, but by the end, the room lay in disarray, and she’d uncovered nothing.

She slumped onto the floor, a strangled breath escaping as her composure cracked. "She didn’t leave a clue," she whispered, her words choked with anguish. "And my memories... they’re locked away when I need them the most!" Her voice broke, and she covered her face, letting the tears come.

Nene knelt beside her in silence, holding her hand with a gentle squeeze. It was a small comfort, but Nene knew there was little else to be done. "Ma’am, Mr. Scott will help you find him when he returns. You know he will."

Aurora exhaled, steadying as she took in Nene’s words. She accepted Nene’s help to her feet and allowed herself to be led to the dining area, where she stared off, lost in thought. Who was he? And what kind of man would cut ties so completely with his family?

Her phone chimed suddenly, pulling her back to the present. She wiped her eyes and glanced at the screen. Her father’s name blinked up at her.

The message read: Aurora, I know you’re disappointed in me, and it’s justified. If you attend your sister’s wedding, I’ll break my promise to your mother and tell you everything you want to know about your father. You have my word.

Aurora read it twice, her heartbeat slowing as she absorbed the weight of his words. He was finally willing to give her the answers she needed, no strings attached except for her presence at the wedding. He’s finally going to tell me?

She almost began to cry again, relief flooding through her. It didn’t matter why her father had changed his mind—only that he had, and that she would soon know who her father was, and perhaps even the truth behind her missing memories.

At that moment, Nene returned. "The room has been tidied, ma’am."

Aurora looked up at her, her resolve returning. "Nene, I’ll need an outfit for my sister’s wedding. My father has promised to tell me who my real father is if I attend. You know what to do."

Nene’s lips curved into a smile. "Thank God! We won’t need to inform Mr. Scott, then," she said.

Aurora nodded, barely able to contain her anticipation. For the first time in days, she felt lighter, eager for Olivia’s wedding day to come.

---

Olivia stood in front of the full-length mirror, taking in the sight of herself in her wedding gown. The dress was a masterpiece, intricately designed to fit her every curve perfectly. Delicate lace hugged her waist before cascading into layers of soft silk that pooled gracefully around her feet.

She ran her fingers along the beaded neckline, tracing the shimmering details with a satisfied smile. This was the gown she’d imagined all along, and thanks to her mother’s influence, it was hers on such short notice.

Turning slightly, she admired how the fabric hugged her hips, accentuating her figure. With a glint of satisfaction in her eye, she caught her mother’s gaze through the mirror and called out, "It fits perfectly! Every inch is exactly as it should be."

Stella approached her, pride gleaming in her eyes as she took Olivia’s hands. "You look exquisite, my dear," she said softly, tightening her grip. "May no envious eyes ever fall upon you."

Olivia let out a delighted laugh, tossing her hair back as she returned her gaze to the mirror. "With a figure men can’t resist, marrying the man I’ve wanted all along—honestly, what more could I ask for?"

"Vintage Cella," Stella replied without missing a beat, meeting Olivia’s gaze in the reflection. "And all the influence Major Walker can bring us."

A smirk crept across Olivia’s lips, her eyes flashing with ambition. "Mother, you’re absolutely right. How could I overlook such crucial details?"

Stella, sensing the room wasn’t entirely private, motioned for the attendants to leave. Once the door closed, she turned back to Olivia, her expression shifting to something colder, more calculated. "Don’t ever forget what you should have, Olivia. Aurora has an eye for valuable things, and anything she sets her sights on, you should consider yours."

Olivia frowned slightly, but her playful spirit remained. "And if she finds someone even more powerful and wealthy? Should I abandon Owen then?"

Stella didn’t hesitate. "Owen’s family holds significant influence, and there are few on par with them. But remember this: befriending Xander’s wife is paramount. Make her an ally, and let her turn against Aurora. Why should you be the only one dealing with your sister when others can do it for you?"

A sly grin stretched across Olivia’s face. "You’re brilliant, Mother. Poor Aurora—she missed out on being your daughter." She let out a satisfied laugh, feeling the thrill of her mother’s plans settle within her.

When their private conversation ended, Stella called the helpers back in, directing Olivia’s stylist to select jewellery that would highlight her elegance. Several exquisite necklaces and earrings glittered under the lights, and Olivia watched in pleasure as each piece was chosen to enhance her radiance for the big day.

Her focus was broken by a sudden knock. The sound was sharp, almost frantic, and without waiting for permission, a servant slipped into the room, her face pale and her eyes darting nervously between Olivia and Stella.

"How dare you!" Olivia snapped, irritation flaring in her eyes at the interruption. "Speak now before I make sure you lose that insolent tongue."

Stella raised a calming hand, maintaining her composure. "What is it?" she asked coolly.

The servant swallowed hard, taking a shaky breath. "Tea Time Gossip Blog, Madam," she stammered, her voice trembling, "They posted an article about you, Miss Olivia, just minutes ago."

Olivia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Probably that pathetic blogger dragging Owen’s past relationship with my sister into the news again with my wedding around the corner. They’re so desperate."

"It’s worse," the servant interjected urgently, her hands shaking as she held out a tablet. "Much worse."

Olivia and Stella exchanged a glance, both their expressions shifting as the room seemed to chill around them. Stella extended her hand, her gaze sharp as her fingers wrapped around the tablet.

"Give it here," she commanded, her voice low and cold, the air around them tense as she began to read.