Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 192

Chapter 192: A Hell of a Favour

Vintage Cellar

Olivia’s furious protests echoed through the lobby as two security guards escorted her to the elevator. Her arms flailed, and her voice was shrill. “Let me go! You can’t treat me like this!”

One of the guards, unfazed, pressed the elevator button. “The Chairwoman wants to see you,” he replied curtly.

Olivia huffed, her frustration spilling over as she was all but dragged inside the elevator. Her heels clicked sharply against the tiled floor, the sound betraying her rising temper.

When the elevator doors opened, Olivia was led to Stephanie’s office. Stephanie’s secretary knocked once, opened the door, and gestured for Olivia to step inside.

“Aunt, I heard you wanted to see me,” Olivia said, her voice laced with irritation as she found a seat for herself without waiting for permission.

Stephanie lifted her gaze slowly, her composed demeanor masking the storm brewing underneath. “Indeed, Olivia,” she began calmly, folding her hands on the desk. “I’ve heard about the commotion you caused in the lobby. Care to explain?”

Olivia shrugged, her tone dismissive. “It was just a minor misunderstanding with Aurora. Nothing worth all this fuss.”

Stephanie’s gaze hardened. “A minor misunderstanding?” Her voice dropped, dangerously quiet. “How, then, did this minor misunderstanding draw a crowd of onlookers filming you while you attempted to physically assault your sister?”

Olivia’s bravado faltered, but she tried to recover. “People love poking their noses where they don’t belong. We are Swift women—married into the Scott family. Naturally, people are interested in us.”

Stephanie let out a slow, angry breath, her calm demeanor giving way to sharp disapproval. “Olivia, I saw what happened in the lobby. Do you understand the disgrace you’ve brought to this family and the company by behaving like a madwoman? In public, no less?”

Olivia’s cheeks burned with shame, but she refused to back down entirely. She clenched her fists and lowered her gaze, biting back the sarcastic retort sitting on the tip of her tongue.

“If you want to ruin your life, Olivia, that’s your prerogative,” Stephanie continued coldly. “But do not—under any circumstances—drag Vintage Cellar down with you. This is your last warning.”

Olivia exhaled a shaky breath, relief trickling in as she thought the scolding was over. But her stomach dropped when Stephanie reached for a white envelope on her desk and slid it toward her.

“You’ve been placed on indefinite suspension,” Stephanie announced, her voice leaving no room for argument. “This is your punishment for nearly tarnishing the company’s image. Go home and reflect on yourself. If I don’t see positive changes, consider your position here permanently revoked.”

Olivia’s fingers curled tightly around the envelope, her knuckles turning white as her anger boiled over. She wanted to protest and tell her Aunt that she had no right to force her to take a step back from the company, but knew that arguing further would only worsen her situation.

—

Xander’s Private Residence

The sound of running water filled the bathroom as Aurora stood under the shower, the heat soothing her frayed nerves after several rounds of sex.

Her phone buzzed in the bedroom, catching Xander’s attention. He picked it up and glanced at the screen.

“It’s your stepmother,” he called out as he stepped into the bathroom, phone in hand. He leaned in to press a quick kiss on her lips before placing the phone on the counter and leaving her to take the call.

Aurora sighed and turned off the shower, wrapping herself in a towel before picking up the phone. “Hello, Mrs. Swift,” she greeted, her tone devoid of emotion.

Stella’s voice carried an edge of false warmth. “Aurora, how are you? I was just wondering how the investigation into your father’s case is progressing.”

Aurora chose her words carefully. “The police haven’t updated me yet. I’m sure they will contact me once there’s any new information.”

Stella’s frustration seeped into her voice despite her attempts to mask it. “And what about the evidence? What exactly did you give them to reopen the case?”

Aurora’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “That’s confidential. Even I haven’t seen the evidence. The police are handling everything.”

Her evasive answers only served to infuriate Stella further. “Do you realize the damage this investigation could cause? If the world learns your father was actually murdered and not gone from the heart attack we claimed, it could destroy his legacy—and you will be the one held responsible!”

Aurora’s tone remained calm, even amused. “No one outside our immediate family knows about this. So unless someone leaks information, there’s no need to worry.”

Stella ended the call abruptly, leaving Aurora with a satisfied smirk.

—

After handing Aurora her phone, Xander picked up his own from the nightstand. Scrolling through his call log, he dialled Asher’s number.

“Xander,” Asher greeted warmly. “What’s going on?”

“I need a favor,” Xander said, his tone leaving no room for refusal. “I want Olivia kidnapped for two to three days.”

There was a pause before Asher chuckled dryly. “That’s a hell of a favor. What’s the plan after I grab her?”

“Keep her comfortable and out of sight,” Xander replied. “I want Stella distracted, too preoccupied to interfere with the police investigation.”

Asher sighed but didn’t argue. “Fine. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks,” Xander said before ending the call, a cold determination settling over him.

—

The Swift Family Residence

Stella paced her bedroom, her mind racing after her conversation with Aurora. Panic clawed at her chest as she considered the possibility that the police might already have evidence linking her to Adam’s murder.

She thought about calling the authorities to probe for information but decided against it—any suspicion would only make matters worse.

Her phone buzzed, and she answered quickly, relief washing over her when she heard the voice of Olivia’s assistant.

“Ma’am,” the young woman began hesitantly, “Director Olivia caused a scene at the company today. She tried to attack Director Aurora in the lobby, and people filmed it. The Chairwoman has indefinitely suspended her as punishment.”

Stella’s hand trembled, and her phone slipped from her grasp, falling onto the plush carpet. Her worst fears were coming true, and she could feel her carefully constructed facade beginning to crack.