Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 221

Chapter 221: The Citrus Champagne Launch

Stephanie forcefully held Stella down with a dark gaze, not even giving her the slightest chance to move an inch or say a word. But when the latter tried to prove stubborn, she slapped her across her face.

Stella held her cheek, and could only stare at Stephanie with horror written all over her face as fear gripped her nerves. She was too stunned to ask what was going on and why she was hit.

“Stella, listen to me carefully,” Stephanie said in a frightening tone with malice dripping over it. “If it is confirmed lawfully and officially, that you murdered my brother, I will either set you and your daughter ablaze or bury you alive and send her to the mental asylum! But I will help you pray the court rules in your favour.”

Stephanie’s move was unexpected and shocking at the same time, and even after she freed Stella and walked away, the latter was still in a state of shock.

Stella gasped as her back slid down the wall. She couldn’t believe what just happened. She was filled with fear and a little confusion at the brink of fading away.

It took her a moment to realise that Stephanie knew something. Finally, one of her worst fears had become a reality.

Although she couldn’t say for sure how much Stephanie knew she thought that if she had the whole clue of her crimes, nothing would have stopped her from killing her right now.

“No, no, no. I-I C-can’t…” Stella stumbled over her words as her fingers gently massaged her neck, her eyes darting across the hallway.

Stella fled to her bedroom and immediately started making calls.

“How long will it take you to find a buyer for the properties? Look, I don’t have time. I need to reinvest that money. What do you mean the price is on the high, shouldn’t it be so, given the location? All right. 25% off max. Yes. I need the money by next weekend. Is it doable? Good.”

Stella let out an exasperated sigh as she dropped her phone on the bed and paced around her bedroom with her fingers in her hair.

She was so frightened and apprehensive that she couldn’t sit at a place. But that was the least of her problems. Her main concern was making a mistake in this state.

“I think I have to sell my jewellery pieces,” she mumbled to herself. And with that, she dashed into her dressing room and went straight for her jewellery showcase.

She stared at everything she’d got and grabbed the most expensive pieces. She threw them inside one of her YSL big black handbags and left.

From the balcony upstairs, Stephanie stood with her hands behind her back as she watched Stella’s car leave the driveway.

“Keep an eye on her. I don’t want to ever hear you don’t know where she is,” she said to the butler.

“Yes, Ma’am.” The butler bowed politely and took a step back.

***

Finally, the day arrived for Aurora’s Citrus Fruits Punch Champagne.

The red carpet event started at 6 PM, and many guests arrived at the venue on time, mostly with their partners.

Today’s champagne launch had a different theme and lineup of events. It was definitely different from the first champagne launch.

This evening, Aurora didn’t make it about her even though the night exclusively belonged to her. Unlike last time, she came in with her arm draped on Xander’s arm. And they had walked in like any other couple.

But even at that, heads turned in their direction with admiration on their lips as this was the first formal event the couple were attending together after the news of their marriage blew across the internet.

The State dinner event with the royal family of Octavia doesn’t count.

As soon as Aurora and Xander walked in, she took him to the first row of tables to greet her Aunt and formally introduce him to the Vintage Cellar board of directors and some of their business partners.

As the LIVE orchestra played, the beautiful couple went from table to table with a glass of champagne each, greeting every face.

“You look so beautiful tonight,” a familiar face complimented Aurora, her eyes glowing with admiration as they hugged.

“Thank you,” Aurora replied with a sweet smile as she leaned back. After a few seconds chat, she took Xander’s hands and left.

“I think I owe Asher a grand for making me look beautiful tonight,” Aurora whispered to Xander as they started walking back to their table at the forefront.

Hearing that, he smiled. “My wife has always been beautiful. Asher should be the one thanking you for allowing him the opportunity to dress you. You are a socialite and businesswoman advertising his brand. And let’s not forget, you are Mrs. Scott.”

Aurora lifted a brow at his shameless pride and praise, and for a moment, she burst into a soft chuckle and used the back of her hand to stifle it.

Tonight, she looked incredibly beautiful with minimal makeup that highlighted her soft facial features. She was simple yet stunning, like a breath of fresh air.

“Sweetheart, don’t make fun of me.” Xander narrowed his eyes a bit as he released her hand and quickly moved to put his hand on her waist. “Otherwise, I will have you rolling in a fit of laughter. Do you want the attention?”

Aurora didn’t want to be tickled, so she stood down.

As the music continued to play, Aurora and Xander settled at their own table with more guests arriving.

Just like Aurora had pre-planned, Stephanie sat at a different table with Vintage Cellar’s business partners.

Soon, Abigail arrived, followed by Asher. Aurora couldn’t help smiling as she embraced her best friend.

“Aura, you look beautiful and ready to be eaten clean,” Abigail whispered with a sweet smile before releasing her from the hug.

Heart crept up Aurora’s lips. She badly wanted to pinch Abigail’s lips. Unfortunately, they were at her public event. So, she couldn’t make that move. Instead, she narrowed her eyes a bit in warning, still with a smile on her lips.