Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 130
- Home
- All Mangas
- Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire
- Chapter 130 - Chapter 130: Stephanie's Take
Chapter 130: Stephanie’s Take
Stephanie exhaled deeply, her tone heavy with seriousness. “What your father shared with me shook me to my core.”
Aurora’s brows furrowed with impatience. “What was it?”
Stephanie hesitated, leaning slightly forward as though deliberating whether to speak. Finally, she sighed again and shook her head. “This is sensitive information. We will discuss it later. For now, let’s focus on the wine.”
Though disappointed, Aurora understood that whatever her aunt wanted to reveal was too significant to be rushed. She nodded, rising to her feet to lead Stephanie toward the kitchen. She motioned for Stephanie to sit at the island and instructed one of the chefs to bring out the wine.
Two wine glasses were placed in front of them, and a chef poured the freshly crafted batch.
Stephanie swirled the wine in her glass, her sharp eyes examining the deep hue. “Rich aroma,” she noted, her voice carrying a note of approval. She brought the glass to her lips, taking small, deliberate sips, her brow furrowing as she processed the flavours.
“I can taste blue grapes, plum,” she said thoughtfully, pausing to click her tongue against her palate. “Sugar, cloves… and is that mint?”
Aurora stifled a laugh at her aunt’s perceptiveness. “It is,” she admitted proudly.
Stephanie took another sip, her discerning gaze focused as she tried to isolate the flavours. Finally, she tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “There’s something else here. What is it?”
“Hibiscus leaves,” Aurora answered with a smile. “For the colour and health benefits.”
Stephanie nodded, placing her glass down. “You’ve done well, Aurora. This is an inventive mix, but it still needs refining.”
Aurora beamed at the praise but leaned forward eagerly. “What would you suggest?”
Stephanie lifted the glass again, examining it as she spoke. “Reduce the hibiscus—it stains too strongly and risks overpowering the original colour. Replace the mint with cinnamon; it’ll balance the cloves better. And finally, consider adding pineapple for sweetness and a unique twist.”
Aurora’s lips curved into a bright smile. “Aunt, you’re a lifesaver. These are exactly the pointers I need to perfect the wine.”
Stephanie returned the smile, finishing the glass with satisfaction. “I’m glad to help. You’re onto something with this idea.”
Aurora and Stephanie chatted a bit about the wine and how Vintage Cellar has been carrying on since she left for the ‘research program’ before Stephanie announced she was leaving.
Aurora walked her out of the kitchen, the conversation shifting back to the earlier matter. Stephanie stopped briefly and turned, her expression serious. “The conversation I had with your father is something we will discuss soon. How about over steak and your improved batch of wine?”
Aurora nodded eagerly, already planning her adjustments. “I will have it ready by this weekend.”
Stephanie chuckled softly. “Don’t overwork yourself. And remember, ferment the grapes and pineapple peels for depth. That will give us a better idea of the wine’s final taste.”
As they entered the living room, Aurora paused when she noticed Xander stepping in, his jacket draped over his arm. At the same time, Stephanie picked up her bag, and straightened her gaze to meet Xander’s.
“It seems your husband is home,” she remarked, her voice neutral.
Aurora watched as Xander’s unreadable expression shifted slightly at the sight of her aunt. She went to him, slipping her arm through his. “You’re back,” she greeted warmly.
Xander gave a faint hum of acknowledgment before his eyes shifted back to Stephanie. “I see you’ve had company.”
“Yes,” Aurora said, turning to Stephanie. “Aunt, this is my husband, Xander Scott. Darling, this is Aunt Stephanie as you already know. She is my Dad’s younger sister and Chairwoman of Vintage Cellar. She came to review my wine.”
Xander stepped forward, extending his hand firmly. “Thank you for visiting, Mrs. Coker.”
Stephanie shook his hand, meeting his steady gaze. “Thank you for taking care of my niece.”
Aurora observed the tension that seemed to hover in the air between them but couldn’t place its source.
“It seems you’re leaving,” Xander said, stepping back.
“I have other engagements,” Stephanie replied with a faint smile. “Perhaps we will have more time to chat another day.”
Follow new episodes on the "N0vel1st.c0m".
“Hopefully,” Xander said, his tone polite but distant. “Good night, Mrs. Coker,”
“Good night, Mr. Scott,” Stephanie replied and finally withdrew her gaze from him.
Aurora walked her aunt to the door, Nene joining them. Outside, Aurora’s curiosity piqued when she saw Stephanie unlock her own car.
“Aunt, where’s your chauffeur?”
Stephanie climbed into the driver’s seat with a faint smile. “No one else needs to know I was here.”
Aurora nodded in understanding. “Don’t forget to erase the GPS history,” she reminded.
Stephanie laughed lightly. “You’re learning.” With a wave, she drove off into the night.
Aurora turned back inside, finding Nene waiting at the door. “Where’s my husband?”
“Upstairs, ma’am. Likely in the bedroom.”
Aurora’s lips curled into a soft smile as she climbed the stairs. Entering the room, her eyes landed on Xander standing by the window with a towel wrapped around his waist, his dragon tattoo vivid against the toned muscles of his back.
The sight made her pause, her chest tightening with a mix of admiration and anticipation. She stepped closer, the sound of her footsteps causing him to glance over his shoulder, his dark eyes locking with hers.
“Your Aunt has left?” Xander asked, a subtle smile curving his lips as he turned to face Aurora.
“Yes,” Aurora answered softly, her steps faltering halfway across the room. Her eyes lingered on the defined planes of his chest and his toned muscles. She didn’t try to hide her obvious stare, the sight of him momentarily stealing her thoughts.
Xander noticed, his smile deepening. “Care to join me for a shower?” he asked, extending his hand toward her.
Aurora’s gaze flickered to his hand before she stepped forward, slipping hers into his without hesitation. The instant her fingers met his, Xander pulled her closer, his other hand snaking around her waist as he effortlessly swept her into his arms.
“Xander!” Aurora yelped in surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck as a giggle bubbled from her lips.
Come back and read more tomorrow, everyone! Visit Novel1st(.)c.𝒐m for updates.