Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 176

Chapter 176: Olivia’s Podcast Interview (I)

DANTE GROUP.

The next morning, the air was sharp with purpose as the city stirred to life. Xander’s expansive office was filled with silence. Liam knocked once and entered, his demeanour crisp as he approached Xander’s desk.

“Good morning, sir,” Liam greeted.

Xander glanced up from the document he was reading and nodded, gesturing for him to proceed.

“I contacted the police station as you requested,” Liam began. “The gun used to kill Adam Swift is still in their custody.”

Xander’s shoulders relaxed imperceptibly, the weight of potential setbacks easing. “That’s good,” he said, his tone measured. “We need that gun to corroborate the other evidence we’re about to gather.”

Liam continued, “Our team has successfully escorted the waiter’s wife and her son back to Wing City. They’re currently en route to the safe house.”

“Ensure they’re guarded around the clock,” Xander instructed. “Her testimony is crucial, and her safety is non-negotiable.”

“Understood.”

Xander leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing ahead. “The transaction receipts and her husband’s recorded confession—those are the next priorities. Have them reviewed and authenticated as soon as they’re in our possession. We will need everything ironclad before petitioning the higher-ups to reopen the case.”

Liam nodded. “I will see to it personally. Everything will be in order.”

“Good,” Xander said with finality. He gave Liam a nod of dismissal, and Liam left the room, leaving Xander momentarily alone with his thoughts. The flicker of determination in his eyes spoke volumes.

—

Vintage Cellar.

The atmosphere buzzed with its usual energy. Olivia strode through the hallways, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. She was running late and spotted an elevator just about to close.

“Wait!” she called out, her voice carrying urgency.

The elevator doors stopped mid-close and slid open again. But as Olivia stepped forward, she froze, her eyes locking onto the sole occupant inside—Aurora.

Aurora stood calmly, her posture poised, her gaze serene as if she owned not just the elevator but the world beyond it. The self-confidence radiating from her couldn’t be simply ignored.

“Are you coming in, or should I let it close?” Aurora asked, her tone polite but indifferent.

Olivia hesitated for a beat before stepping in, the tension palpable in the confined space. The doors slid shut, and the elevator hummed to life, carrying them upwards.

The silence was heavy, awkward yet brimming with unspoken words. Olivia’s fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. She hadn’t forgotten about Aurora’s Mrs. Scott’s scheme just yet.

Finally, she turned to Aurora, unable to contain herself. “Were you happy watching me try to instigate you against yourself?”

Aurora didn’t respond, her gaze fixed firmly on the reflective elevator doors.

“Did you have fun laughing at me behind your mask for being so ignorant? For fawning over you like a fool?” Olivia pressed on, her voice rising with each word.

“What was the reason for inviting me over to your place and treating me like I matter to you? Was that your grand gesture of showing off Mr. Scott’s wealth to my face?”

Aurora remained unmoved, her posture unyielding, as though Olivia’s accusations were little more than passing wind. And her expression didn’t give anything away either.

The silence only served to provoke Olivia further. She stepped closer, her voice sharper now. “Are you ignoring me? Do you think I won’t demand answers?”

But just as she finished, Aurora shifted slightly. “Okay,” she said simply, her tone cool. “I’ve heard you. Let’s talk later.”

Next, she reached up to remove small earbuds that had been nestled in her ears, blending seamlessly with her skin. She tucked the earbuds into her palm, her expression unbothered as she lifted her gaze.

Olivia blinked, her words faltering as her brain processed what had just happened. Her tirade—her confrontation—had gone unheard.

Aurora finally noticed Olivia’s stunned gaze and arched a delicate brow. “Do you have something to say?”

The question hung in the air, but Olivia couldn’t find her voice. Frustration and embarrassment swirled inside her, making her chest tighten. Finally, she scoffed and redirected her gaze forward, her jaw tightening.

Two seconds later, the elevator doors slid open, and Olivia stormed out without another word, her steps hurried and agitated.

Left alone in the elevator, Aurora’s composed facade cracked just enough for a small, knowing smirk to tug at her lips. As the doors closed, her quiet victory felt even sweeter in the silence.

—

The evening sun cast its final rays across the city as Olivia arrived at the recording studio for her highly anticipated live podcast interview. Dressed to impress, she stepped out of her chauffeured car, her heels clicking against the pavement with a confidence she didn’t entirely feel.

Inside the studio, a small team of five greeted her warmly and ushered her toward the recording area. The room was professionally arranged, with sleek microphones, soundproof walls, and soft lighting.

Olivia exchanged pleasantries with the host, a charismatic woman named Jenna, known for her no-nonsense but engaging interviews.

“Miss Swift, we are honoured to have you here,” Jenna said with a welcoming smile as she gestured toward the couch opposite hers.

“Thank you for having me,” Olivia replied smoothly, though her mind was elsewhere.

As Olivia settled in, she was handed the pre-approved questionnaire. She quickly scanned the list of questions, her eyes narrowing slightly at a few of them. She then leaned toward Jenna with a polite but firm tone.

“Before we begin, I have a small request,” Olivia started.

Jenna exchanged a quick glance with her producer, sensing a negotiation coming. “Of course. What can we do for you?”

“I’d like my product, Spraying Champagne, to be promoted during this podcast. In return, I will give you a candid and exclusive interview as promised,” Olivia said with a confident smile, her tone brooking no argument.

Jenna hesitated for a brief moment, then nodded. “Agreed. Let’s make it work.”

—

The show began with light-hearted banter to warm up the audience. Jenna’s charm shone through as she led with a question that immediately sparked intrigue.

“Olivia, we’ve all recently learned that your sister, Aurora Swift, is none other than Mrs. Scott. How does it feel to have such a prominent figure as your sibling?”

Olivia’s smile was tight, masking the simmering annoyance beneath. “I’m incredibly proud of Aurora,” she said, forcing a warm tone. “She’s done so well for herself, and as her sister, it’s wonderful to see her thrive.”

Jenna’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she followed up, “But tell me, how do you feel about Aurora marrying her ex-boyfriend’s uncle? That’s quite the headline!”

Olivia let out a soft chuckle, pretending to ponder the question. “Well, Aurora is an adult who makes her own choices. While it’s certainly an… unconventional path, love is powerful, and it can take you by surprise.” She paused, her gaze flicking toward the camera. “That said, if I were in her shoes, I don’t think I’d make the same choice. But then again, love makes us do unexpected things.”

Jenna seized the opening and threw an unplanned question her way. “Speaking of love, was it love that led you to marry your sister’s ex-boyfriend, Owen Scott?”

Olivia’s carefully maintained facade almost cracked. She quickly composed herself, smiling tightly. “You could say that,” she replied, her voice tinged with an edge of deflection.

The subtle tension in the room didn’t go unnoticed. Jenna shifted gears to keep the interview flowing.

“Your husband, Owen, has been photographed at nightclubs quite a bit since your marriage. How do you feel about that? Any regrets about marrying him?”

Olivia leaned back, releasing a measured breath. “Regrets? We all make decisions we think are right in the moment. Sure, I may reflect on some choices, but life is about living with those choices and moving forward. As for Owen’s nightlife habits, I respect his freedom to enjoy himself. It’s not something I feel the need to control. I can’t tell him where and how he chooses to hang out with his friends.”

Jenna leaned forward slightly, her voice dipping conspiratorially. “And what about the rumours of a mistress? Surely, you’ve heard the whispers.”

Olivia laughed lightly, spreading her hands theatrically. “It seems like the paparazzi know more about my husband than I do! As far as I’m aware, there’s no mistress. But then again, everyone loves a good rumour, don’t they?”

Jenna smiled but didn’t back down. “Let’s address a more sensitive topic. The miscarriage and the incident at the club—what really happened that night? Tea Time Gossip Blog reported some disturbing details. Are they true?”

Olivia’s demeanour shifted, her expression sombre. She released a soft sigh, her fingers subtly gripping the edge of her seat. “It’s… hard to talk about,” she began, her voice breaking slightly.

Seeing her distress, Jenna gestured for a crew member to bring a handkerchief. Olivia accepted it, dabbing at her dry eyes, as though trying to contain a surge of emotion.

“I’m sorry for ruining your show,” Olivia said, her voice barely above a whisper.