Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 173

Chapter 173: A Win for His Wife

The game began, and it quickly became evident that Aurora was no match for the Princess. By the end of the third game, Victoria leaned back in triumph. “Three rounds, three wins!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Aurora, though initially disheartened, felt better when Asher spoke up. “Don’t feel bad, Aurora. The Princess has been playing chess since she was a child. It’s practically a royal skill.”

Victoria smiled smugly. “It’s true. But Aurora, you held your own quite well for someone who claimed not to play often.”

Xander, unimpressed by Victoria’s boasting, stepped forward. “How about we play a few rounds?”

Victoria raised a brow, intrigued. “And if I win?”

“What do you want?” Xander asked, meeting her gaze head-on.

She smiled sweetly. “An invitation to your villa before I leave for Octavia in two days.”

Aurora tensed, but Xander’s calm expression didn’t waver. “Deal.”

As the game began, Aurora’s nerves settled when she received a discreet message from Asher. “Don’t worry, Xander’s unbeatable. He’s been trained for this in the armed forces.”

Aurora exhaled a quiet sigh of relief, replying with a quick “thank you” before putting her phone away.

—

Within fifteen minutes, Xander triumphed, winning all three rounds. He was satisfied that he had finally taken revenge for his wife.

“This is so unfair!” Victoria exclaimed, though her tone was laced with grudging admiration. “When did you become this good? You’ve never beaten me before.”

Asher chuckled, leaning back. “That’s because Xander used to let you win. He’s an expert at playing chess.”

Victoria blinked, torn between surprise and indignation. “You… used to let me win?” She had been confident on wining Xander based on the chess skills she knew he had in the past, but learning just now that he used to let her win, she was unsatisfied.

Xander’s smirk was faint but unmistakable. “You seemed to enjoy it.”

Victoria crossed her arms, her pout almost childlike. “Well, you should have kept letting me win like in the past.”

Aurora couldn’t help but laugh softly at the exchange, her earlier unease forgotten. But the Princess wouldn’t let the sleeping dog lie.

Victoria crossed her arms below her chest, totally forgetting about her princess mannerisms as she fixed her gaze on Xander.

“I noticed that your attitude towards me has changed a lot. And why is that?”

As soon as she posed that question the atmosphere dropped. And for a good few seconds, no one said a word. But finally, Xander’s voice cut through the awkward air like a blade as he finally answered her question.

“You are a Royal Princess and should be treated as such,” Xander said carefreely with sugar-coated words as Asher bit back a chuckle that threatened to slip from his lips.

Even Aurora understood Xander’s drill and laughed inwardly. But the Princess was the only one who seemed to be oblivious even though she had her doubts.

“Xander is right,” Asher said. “You should be accorded with the respect you dully deserve.”

“By the way,” Victoria added casually, finally convinced by the notion they were trying to pass. “Xander, you really should consider inviting me to your villa one day. I would love to see it.”

Xander’s tone was measured as he replied, “I appreciate your interest, but my villa is strictly private.”

Victoria arched a brow, her smile unwavering. “I see. Well, perhaps you will change your mind in the future.”

Aurora watched the exchange, her expression calm though she felt a flicker of unease.

As they left the garden, Aurora took Xander’s arm, her heart full. She had no doubts about his loyalty and love no matter what games the Princess was trying to play.

~***~

Two days later, Tea Time Gossip Blog released an interesting article.

“Royal Goodbyes and Scandalous Whispers.”

Greetings, Tea Time Darlings! It’s your favourite source for Wing City’s juiciest gossip, and today we’re serving you piping hot tea about royalty, rivalry, and redemption.

The Royal Princess of Octavia, Her Highness Victoria, has officially departed from Wing City after what we can only describe as an eventful visit. While her stay might have been brief, it was nothing short of fascinating.

Let’s talk about the highlight of her trip—the Princess’s obsession with Aurora Swift’s Fruit Punch Champagne. Yes, you heard that right! The Princess didn’t just enjoy a bottle; she made it a mission to visit Vintage Cellar’s prestigious winery. Sources close to the palace say she even insisted on having Aurora herself guide her through the winery—a rare honour, wouldn’t you agree?

If that wasn’t enough to spark envy, the Princess also extended a private invitation to Aurora Swift to her exclusive residence during her stay. We can only imagine what riveting conversations and glittering smiles were exchanged in such an intimate setting.

Now, here’s the kicker—Tea Time couldn’t help but throw shade at a certain someone. Cough cough Olivia, dear, when was the last time royalty insisted on your company? Oh wait, we forgot—you’ve been busy dealing with your own mess.

Aurora Swift: Wing City’s Rising Star

Speaking of Aurora, netizens are still reeling from the bombshell revelation that she’s not just the brains behind the Fruit Punch Champagne but also none other than Mrs. Xander Scott! Comments from our beloved readers have been nothing short of iconic:

“Aurora is the queen we didn’t know we needed. Mrs. Scott and a champagne mogul? Goals!”

“Olivia must be screaming into her pillow right now, lowkey regretting her life choices. Karma is a beautiful thing.”

“How is Aurora this flawless? Please drop your skincare routine, Mrs. Scott!”

Aurora has been winning hearts, topping business charts, and rubbing elbows with royalty. Meanwhile, Olivia… well, let’s just say it’s not champagne and roses for her.

Stella Swift: Back from the Brink

Oh, and while we’re on the Swift family, here’s an update: Stella Swift has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a mild heart attack. Tea Time wishes her a speedy recovery—but also couldn’t resist dropping this gem: “Go and sin no more.”

Coincidence or karma? We’ll let you decide, darlings.

Olivia and Owen: The Endless Saga

And now, for the drama we can’t stop watching—the ongoing soap opera that is Olivia and Owen Scott. While things appear calm on the surface, our sources tell us that all is not well behind closed doors.

Many are speculating that Olivia is avoiding divorce simply to dodge public humiliation. After all, she did marry the man she snatched from her sister, only to find herself unable to maintain peace in her marriage. Owen, on the other hand, seems to specialize in public embarrassments. How long until their next explosive episode?

One commenter nailed it: “Olivia’s life feels like a reality show, but not the good kind. Someone pass the popcorn!”

Tea Time predicts it’s only a matter of time before the cracks widen, and when they do, you know we will be here to spill every drop of the tea.

Stay tuned, Darlings. Until next time, remember: Gossip makes the world go round, and Tea Time Gossip Blog is your trusted source.

Cheers,

~Tea Time.