Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 169

Chapter 169: All Against Her

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over Xander’s private residence as Aurora stepped inside, greeted by Nene’s warm smile.

“Welcome home, Mrs. Scott,” Nene said, her voice light and respectful.

Aurora returned her smile. “Thank you, Nene. I will have tea and some light snacks in the flower garden. Please set it up.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Nene replied with a polite bow before heading off to make the arrangements.

Aurora climbed the stairs to her bedroom. After freshening up, she slipped into a comfortable dress and made her way downstairs, her steps light with the sense of calm the flower garden always brought her.

Nene was already waiting for her by the glasshouse, a tray with a teapot, delicate porcelain cups, and a plate of light pastries arranged perfectly.

As Aurora settled into a chair surrounded by fragrant blossoms, Nene poured her tea. “Ma’am, there was a call from Mrs. Owen earlier.”

Aurora raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Oh? And what did she say?” She knew that Olivia would definitely reach out after finding out her identity as Mrs. Scott, especially after revealing those delicate secrets and fawning over her; including but not limited to trying to pit her against herself.

Nene’s expression turned amused as she recounted the exchange. “She was furious, ma’am. She left a rather colourful message. ‘Let her know that she will rot in hell for deceiving me when I get my hands on her.'”

Aurora paused, letting the information sink in before releasing a hearty laugh that echoed through the tranquil space. She moved the teacup away from her lips as her amusement softened into a sly smile.

“Olivia hasn’t seen anything yet,” Aurora said, her voice dripping with calm confidence before taking another sip of tea.

Nene waited for further instructions.

“Continue to take her calls,” Aurora instructed, setting the cup down delicately. “But if she speaks rudely or starts cursing, terminate the call immediately.”

“Understood, ma’am.”

—

Some minutes later, Aurora’s tablet buzzed with an incoming FaceTime call. Abigail’s face lit up the screen, her excitement palpable.

“Aura!” Abigail shrilled, her grin infectious. “You’re officially Mrs. Scott to the whole world now! The Vogue issue is perfect. Everyone’s talking about it!”

Aurora chuckled, amused by her best friend’s enthusiasm. “It turned out beautifully, didn’t it?”

“Absolutely! Oh, did you hear about Stella fainting? Tea Time Gossip was all over it,” Abigail added, her tone laced with mischief. “Please tell me she really passed out after finding out the truth,” her giddy voice pleaded.

Abigail was always ever-ready to entertain bad news about Stella, and this moment wasn’t any different.

Aurora smirked. “That’s exactly what happened. Aunt Stephanie filled me in. Apparently, Stella saw the interview and couldn’t handle the truth. She suffered a mild heart attack and was rushed to the hospital.”

Abigail burst into laughter. “Serves her right. And Olivia? I bet she’s losing her mind over this.”

“She left me a message through Nene,” Aurora said, her tone light. “Let’s just say she’s not taking the news well.”

“Good. Let her stew in her anger,” Abigail declared, her voice brimming with satisfaction. Finally, that mother and pair have gotten a taste of their own bitter medicine. “I’d like to see her try and retaliate. I bet she doesn’t have the guts.”

Aurora and Abigail chatted about lighter topics, including a potential weekend shopping spree. By the time the call ended, Aurora felt a renewed sense of satisfaction over her clap-back.

—

Later at night, Aurora and Xander prepared to retire for bed. As she brushed her hair, she casually mentioned the Princess’s request.

“Victoria asked to visit your villa and I told her that I would pass on her message.” she said, watching his reflection in the mirror.

Xander frowned, lying on the bed on his side while supporting his weight with one arm. “I’m not inviting her to my private residence. She’s not close enough to warrant that kind of access.”

Aurora turned, meeting his gaze. “She might take offense. You used to be close.” Although Aurora said that, she wasn’t even entertaining that idea of Victoria coming to her home.

“She can take offense all she wants,” Xander replied evenly. “If she invites us out somewhere public, I will consider it. But my home is off-limits.”

Aurora smiled and got off the stool. She walked to the bed and slipped in next to him. “Fair enough.”

Xander’s eyes glowed as he pulled the duvet over them and brought her close as they drifted into peaceful slumber.

~***~

The next day brought tension at Vintage Cellar. Olivia returned to work, her steps brisk and her expression distant. She ignored greetings from colleagues and went straight to her office.

She didn’t go to find Aurora in her office to gloat as usual after everything that has transpired.

By 10 AM, the board convened in the conference room. Stephanie, as composed as ever, sat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping across the room.

“Let’s begin,” Stephanie announced.

Discussions commenced, with reports and updates flowing smoothly until someone raised the subject of Olivia’s Spraying Champagne. A presentation followed, showcasing plummeting sales figures and dwindling market appeal.

Olivia’s face darkened, her fists clenched under the table.

“This champagne was criticized from the start,” one director remarked, his tone sharp. “We warned that it was a waste of resources—champagne meant only for spraying at parties? Absurd.”

Stephanie listened intently before turning her gaze to Aurora. “What’s your take, Aurora?”

Aurora glanced at Olivia briefly, her expression neutral before addressing the room. “While the concept was unique, the market data speaks for itself. Continuing to produce and promote Spraying Champagne is not sustainable. Discontinuing it would allow us to redirect resources to more profitable ventures.”

Olivia glared daggers at Aurora, but she quickly masked her anger when Stephanie turned to her. “Olivia, what’s your defense?”

Olivia’s voice was steady, though her eyes burned with indignation. “The champagne utilizes unripe and spoiled grapes—resources that would otherwise go to waste. It’s cost-effective and contributes to our sustainability efforts. So tell me, how is that a waste of resources?” she asked through gritted teeth.

Another director raised his hand, countering her argument. “The cost of promotion far outweighs any savings. We’ve spent more on marketing this product than it’s brought in.”

Olivia stood abruptly. “We haven’t started losing money yet. Why end it prematurely?”

“Are you waiting for the company to start losing money before we would take the right measures?” Another director spoke, obviously pissed at Olivia’s statement.

A heated exchange followed, with directors questioning Olivia’s judgment. Tension crackled in the air until Stephanie’s voice cut through.

“Enough,” she said firmly. The room fell silent. “Olivia, the data doesn’t lie. However, I’m willing to give you one last chance.”

Hope flickered in Olivia’s eyes as Stephanie laid out her conditions.

“Vintage Cellar will cease all promotional efforts for Spraying Champagne immediately. You have one month to revive its sales. If you can achieve a 3% increase within that time, the product stays. Otherwise, it’s discontinued.”

Olivia nodded stiffly. “Understood.”

Stephanie’s tone softened slightly. “Don’t celebrate just yet. The clock is ticking.”

As the meeting adjourned, Olivia shot a triumphant smirk at Aurora, who remained unfazed. But as soon as Olivia remembered about the Mrs. Scott stuff, the smirk completely disappeared from her face.

—

At the same time, Stella’s return to the Swift family home was uneventful but laden with bitterness. As the car pulled up to the front steps, the butler hurried to greet her at the door with a polite bow.

“Welcome back, ma’am. I trust your journey was comfortable,” he said.

Stella nodded curtly, her exhaustion apparent. She didn’t bother with pleasantries, allowing a servant to support her as she made her way up the staircase. By the time she reached her bedroom and sank onto the bed, a weary sigh escaped her lips.

—

An hour later, Stella stirred awake. The muted sunlight streaming through her curtains reminded her of how long she’d been gone. She reached for the glass of water on her bedside table and swallowed her pills. Turning to the servant stationed in her room, she asked, “Has Olivia called?”

The servant hesitated, her eyes dropping to the floor. “No, ma’am. There still hasn’t been any call from her yet.”

Stella’s jaw tightened in frustration. “Give me my phone.”

The servant quickly handed it over. Stella dialled Olivia’s number, her fingers trembling with anger. The phone rang, but Olivia didn’t answer. Stella tried again a few minutes later, only to be met with silence. Her patience snapped.

“Prepare the car,” Stella ordered sharply. “If my daughter won’t take my calls, then I will go to her myself.”

The servant nodded and hurried out. Stella then placed a call to the Scott family’s main residence. The butler picked up, greeting her with calm politeness.

“This is Stella Swift,” she announced. “I’m coming over to visit my daughter.”

The butler acknowledged her request and assured her that she was welcome before Stella hung up abruptly.