Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 197

Chapter 197: Good News

Swift Family’s Residence

Stella paced the length of her bedroom, clutching her phone like it held the key to her sanity. Her attempts to reach Olivia had gone unanswered once again, and the silence was deafening.

She tried Olivia’s number again, but the call didn’t connect as usual

“Where are you, Olivia?” Stella muttered under her breath, panic creeping into her voice.

Desperate, she dialled a few of Olivia’s friends again, each call ending in disappointment. None of them had seen or heard from her daughter, but they did suggest a few places she could be found this time.

Stella’s frustration boiled over as she slammed her phone onto the bed. “This girl is trying to kill me with worry!”

Unable to sit still, Stella decided to report Olivia’s disappearance to the police. She didn’t think the radio silence was normal anymore, and she didn’t want to take any chances.

Olivia was the only child she had, and the key to all of her plans.

—

Police Station

Stella was ushered into the commissioner’s office, bypassing the crowded main floor. The commissioner, a middle-aged man with a calm demeanour, gestured for her to sit.

“Mrs. Swift, how can we assist you today?”

Stella didn’t waste time. “My daughter, Olivia, is missing. I haven’t been able to reach her since yesterday evening.”

The commissioner nodded, retrieving a notebook. “When was the last time you spoke with her?”

“Yesterday morning. She was also distraught after being served divorce papers by her husband,” Stella replied, her voice cracking.

The commissioner’s brow furrowed. “Has she exhibited signs of depression recently?”

“Yes,” Stella admitted, dabbing at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. “She had a miscarriage not long ago and was hospitalized. Then there was the public backlash from her podcast interview… and yesterday, she was suspended from her position at Vintage Cellar. She’s been under immense pressure.”

The commissioner leaned back, his expression softening. “We’ll begin an investigation immediately. Rest assured, Mrs. Swift, we’ll do everything we can to locate your daughter.”

Stella offered a faint smile of gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered, rising from her chair as she was escorted out of the office.

—

Vintage Cellar

By noon, Vintage Cellar released a statement addressing Olivia’s public outburst.

The statement read:

“Vintage Cellar upholds a high standard of professionalism among all its staff. We abhor the recent incident involving Director Olivia Swift attempting to physically attack her sister, Director Aurora Swift, in the company lobby. Disciplinary actions have been taken in line with our company policies.”

The statement concluded with promotional material for Aurora’s new Citrus Fruit Punch Champagne, featuring sleek photos from the morning’s photoshoot.

—

Xander’s Private Residence

At the dinner table, Aurora cut into her steak, chatting with Xander over their meal.

“I didn’t even realize Olivia wasn’t at work today until Aunt Stephanie mentioned her suspension,” Aurora admitted with a small laugh.

Xander’s smile vanished, his expression turning serious. “How could you forget that Olivia wouldn’t be at work because I told you I’m holding her hostage?”

Aurora froze, fork midway to her mouth. The memory of Xander mentioning it at breakfast flooded back. “Oh… right,” she said sheepishly. “I forgot.”

Xander frowned, concern flickering in his eyes. “Sweetheart, you’ve been forgetting important details lately.”

Aurora sighed, brushing it off. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been busy.”

Hoping to lighten the mood, she switched topics. “By the way, the champagne launch is on Sunday, and I need your help inviting a few people.”

Xander relaxed slightly. “Who do you need me to invite?”

“Your parents,” Aurora said. “I’d like to deliver the invitation to them in person.”

Xander’s mood darkened for a moment, but he nodded. “We’ll visit them tomorrow.”

Aurora beamed. “Thank you!”

“And the second person?” Xander asked, raising a brow.

Aurora hesitated, then confessed, “The Major.”

His brow furrowed in suspicion. “What are you planning, Aurora?”

“I just want him there to gauge his reaction,” she admitted. “I need to know if he’s aware that I’m his biological daughter and is just pretending not to know.”

Xander sighed but agreed. He would do anything she wanted of him as long as it made her happy.

—

The House in the Woods

After spending the day binge-watching a TV series, Olivia shuffled into the kitchen for another meal. She heated up a beef casserole and rice, then sat down at the dining table to eat.

Between bites, she glanced at her phone. The missed calls and messages from her mother from the previous day finally caught her attention. Scoffing, she muttered, “Worried now, are we? You played a role in ruining my life, so suffer a bit.”

Olivia planned to take advantage of her current situation to taunt her mother, and it was working.

—

Xander’s Private Residence

The next morning, Aurora and Xander were finishing their breakfast when Liam entered the dining room.

“Good morning, Sir. Good morning, Ma’am,” Liam greeted politely.

“Morning, Liam,” Xander said. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s about the case,” Liam replied.

“What about it?” Xander probed, wiping the corner of his lips with a napkin.

“The commissioner called. The case has been officially reopened.”

Relief washed over Aurora, and a bright smile lit up her face. “It’s happening,” she whispered.

She jumped out of her seat and hugged Xander tightly. “Thank you!”

Xander chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. “Congratulations, Sweetheart. Justice is finally coming.”

For a fact, he was relieved that their plans were moving swiftly.

—

Aurora was being chauffeured to work when she picked up her phone to call Stephanie.

“Good morning, Aunt,” she greeted cheerfully when the call connected.

Stephanie chuckled. “Good morning, Aurora. Judging by your tone, I’d say you have good news.”

Aurora smiled. “I do. My father’s case has been reopened.”

“That’s wonderful!” Stephanie exclaimed. “I’ll adjust my schedule for the police questioning when the time comes.”

“Okay,” Aurora grinned. “See you at work, Aunt.”

—

That same morning, Tea Time Gossip released a scathing article commenting on Vintage Cellar’s statement.

“Olivia Swift deserves more than suspension for attempting to assault her sister. Maybe she should leave the company altogether since her life clearly isn’t going in the direction she planned.”

The article also strongly suggested that Olivia seek a mental health evaluation since her karma probably came with a mental disorder.

In contrast, the blog praised Aurora for her professionalism and used the opportunity to advertise her new champagne launch, accompanied by dazzling photos from the campaign shoot that Vintage Cellar had posted.