Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Striking A Deal with Asher

The dining room was awash with a warm glow, the gentle clinking of cutlery filling the silence as Aurora and Xander enjoyed their meal. Aurora’s cheeks still bore a faint pink hue, and her hazy eyes reflected the lingering aftermath of their passionate encounter in the bathroom.

“How do you like the new wine?” Aurora asked, her voice soft but tinged with anticipation as she tilted her head slightly, her gaze resting on Xander.

Xander set his glass down, a small smile playing on his lips as his eyes lingered on hers, remembering how she’d moaned his name minutes earlier. “Spicy, but definitely better than the first batch,” he replied, the faintest glimmer of mischief in his tone.

Aurora cleared her throat, bringing him back to the present. “I noticed you seemed a bit distant with my Aunt earlier. Do you not like her?”

“I don’t dislike her particularly,” Xander replied calmly, his gaze steady, “but I don’t trust her.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping an octave. “Sweetheart, I don’t trust anyone who hasn’t earned my trust.”

Aurora chewed on his words, her brows knitting slightly as she asked, “Do you think I made a mistake inviting her over without getting your consent first?”

Xander forked a piece of stir-fried vegetable and took a deliberate bite before answering. “We will have to wait and see,” he said simply, his words devoid of sugarcoating.

Aurora frowned slightly at his bluntness. “That’s not very reassuring. Are you mad at me?”

“No,” Xander said, shaking his head as his eyes softened slightly. “But tell me—how did your Aunt find out we were married?”

Aurora leaned back in her seat with a soft sigh. “She figured it out during the mourning period after my father’s death,” she explained, recounting her earlier conversation with Stephanie.

As she finished, Xander gestured subtly with his fork. “Your Aunt is sharp,” he admitted, though his tone remained even, his expression unreadable.

Aurora tilted her head, narrowing her eyes as she studied him. “You already suspected she knew, didn’t you?”

“I did,” he confessed. “Even though she isn’t like your stepmother, no one as observant as her would overlook how close we were during that time.”

“Wow,” Aurora said, sitting up straighter in amazement. “I should be scared of you right now. It’s like you’re reading everyone’s mind.”

A sly grin spread across Xander’s face. “Sweetheart, I was trained for this,” he teased, though the grin faded quickly. “But let me tell you this for your sake—don’t trust your Aunt more than 50%. That way, you won’t get hurt.”

Aurora raised her glass, the corners of her lips curving into a small smile. “And what about you?” she asked before taking a slow sip of her wine.

“I’m your husband,” Xander said firmly. “You can trust me 99%. I will never betray you or scheme against you.”

Aurora arched a brow at him, playful curiosity in her gaze. “What about the other 1%?”

Xander’s eyes glinted as he leaned slightly forward. “That’s for the times my actions to protect you might make you doubt my love.”

“Great,” Aurora quipped with a teasing smile. “Something to keep me on edge.”

“No,” Xander countered with a wink. “Not if you trust me 100%.”

—

As they strolled hand-in-hand out of the dining room, Aurora told Xander about her plan to invite Olivia over in two days.

“Practice your gestures and mannerisms tomorrow,” Xander reminded her, his tone laced with caution. “We can’t afford a slip-up. Remember, no one is completely ignorant.”

“Got it,” Aurora replied casually.

“Ask Nene to arrange for a car to pick her up,” Xander added as they continued walking.

Just as they reached the hallway, Xander suddenly stopped, his expression thoughtful. “Your stepmother seems to have a long-standing relationship with Major Walker. They appear closer than mere acquaintances. Do you know anything about it?”

Aurora shook her head, her brow furrowing. “No. Is it a problem?”

“Not yet,” Xander said, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. “Go upstairs. I need to make a call.”

—

As Xander entered his study, he shut the door and pulled his phone from his pocket. Sitting behind his desk, he scrolled to Asher’s contact and dialled.

The call connected, and Asher’s deep, groggy voice answered. “Why are you calling this late? Don’t you have a wife to keep you occupied?”

“I can’t sleep,” Xander admitted, his tone grave. “There’s something definitely off about Stella Swift and Major Walker.”

A sigh came through the phone. “Lex, don’t tell me you want me to secretly investigate the Major?”

“No,” Xander replied, his voice firm. “He would catch on too quickly. We can’t risk that.”

“So, what’s the plan?” Asher asked, the sound of rustling sheets in the background.

“Look into Stella instead,” Xander said, his eyes narrowing. “Find out when she first met the Major. I don’t buy his story about her saving his son, even if it might be true. One of them is using the other.”

Asher chuckled softly. “It’s definitely not the Major being used. He’s too cunning for that.”

Xander leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. “You think Stella’s the pawn in his game?”

“Without a doubt,” Asher replied. “She might think she’s in control, but the Major’s always three steps ahead.”

After a pause, Xander said, “You’re probably right. But I still want to know what she stands to gain from scheming.”

Asher groaned lightly. “Fine, I will dig into it. But only for a price.”

“Name it,” Xander said with a sigh.

“Dinner at your place with Abigail and me,” Asher demanded, a smirk audible in his tone.

Xander frowned, suspicion darkening his expression. “What are you plotting?”

“If you don’t want to get in trouble with your wife, don’t ask,” Asher quipped. “Do we have a deal or not?”

After a long pause, Xander sighed. “Deal.”

“Goodnight, soldier,” Asher chuckled before hanging up.

Xander stared at the phone, irritation flickering across his face. “What’s so damn funny?” he muttered, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair.