Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 235

Chapter 235: Stephanie Had Her Doubts

Swift Family Residence.

Stephanie sat in the vast living room, her fingers drumming rhythmically against the couch’s armrest as she scrolled through Tea Time Gossip’s latest article. Her sharp eyes skimmed over every detail, her lips pressing into a thin line as she finished reading.

She had already seen the video footage from the lawyer she sent to the courthouse—Olivia’s outburst, her lack of control, the sheer humiliation she brought upon herself. But seeing it dissected so brutally in an article for the world to read was something else entirely.

With a sigh, she placed her phone down and raised a hand, summoning the butler. “Go and get Olivia.”

The butler gave a polite nod and left to carry out her order.

Minutes later, Olivia arrived, her irritation evident. “You sent for me?”

Stephanie gave her a pointed look. “Do you know what composure means?”

Olivia frowned, her posture stiffening. “Of course, I do.”

“Then why did you make a spectacle of yourself in court?” Stephanie’s voice was dangerously calm, laced with quiet fury. “Did I not warn you three days ago to keep your emotions in check? And yet, here we are, with you making headlines for the wrong reasons once again.”

Olivia’s nostrils flared. “I had no choice! Owen is a monster. I just couldn’t sit there and let him deny cheating on me, deny causing my miscarriage, and pretend like I was the one at fault!” Her voice shook with anger. “He stood there acting like the victim, while I—”

Stephanie cut her off with a scoff. “Yes, he was indeed provocative by refusing to admit his affairs,” she conceded. But then her gaze darkened as she leaned forward. “However, as for your miscarriage… you didn’t seem to value that child back then. If you had, you would have protected it at all costs. And since I know about it, I find it very difficult to believe that Owen pushing you was the reason you lost it.”

Olivia stiffened, her heartbeat spiking. “Aunt, what are you trying to say?” she asked, feigning innocence while masking the guilt flashing through her eyes. “Are you doubting me?”

Stephanie arched an eyebrow. “I’m merely pointing out that you’ll need to prove to the court that Owen’s push was the sole reason for your miscarriage. After all, your doctor never once mentioned that the fetus was unstable before that day… or was it?”

Olivia’s fists clenched at her sides. “I was under immense stress!” she snapped. “How could I remain sane, and the baby in my womb healthy, when all my husband did was appear on gossip blogs every day, photographed with different women? A fetus wouldn’t have survived when its mother was in that state.”

Stephanie scoffed and leaned back. “Well, good luck proving that to the judge.”

She then gave Olivia a cold stare and added, “And let me remind you—again—that if you cause another public embarrassment, I will cut you off financially. Permanently.”

Olivia’s face twisted with rage. But she knew better than to argue when Stephanie was in this mood. Without another word, she spun on her heels and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

—

A Private Restaurant.

Seated in a dimly lit private room of an upscale restaurant, Casey swirled the champagne in her glass, her lips curling into a smug smile. Across from her, Juliet scrolled through Tea Time Gossip’s article, giggling.

“They really went in on Olivia this time,” Juliet mused, eyes gleaming with amusement.

Casey chuckled, adjusting her dark sunglasses. “She deserves every bit of it. Watching her crumble is delicious.”

Juliet smirked. “So, what’s next? Olivia and Owen are getting a divorce… When do you think I should break the news about my pregnancy?”

Casey’s expression turned serious as she leaned forward. “Not now.”

Juliet blinked. “Why not? I mean, he’ll have to know at some point.”

Casey sighed, rubbing the rim of her glass with her finger. “Listen to me. Olivia is unhinged. If she finds out about your pregnancy now, she’ll destroy you. She lost her child, and if she knows you’re carrying Owen’s baby, she won’t rest until you lose yours too. That woman is bitter and unreasonable now. Well, she has always been. So, we’ve got to tread carefully.”

Juliet swallowed, a flicker of fear crossing her face.

Casey’s lips curved into a slow, calculating smile. “Wait until you’re past your second trimester. Once you reach six months, Olivia won’t be able to pull any reckless stunts without the risk of severe consequences.”

Juliet exhaled and nodded. “You’re right. I’ll wait.”

Casey lifted her champagne glass. “To Olivia’s downfall.”

Juliet grinned and clinked her glass against Casey’s. As Casey took a slow sip, she adjusted her sunglasses again, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.

She had just started dealing with Olivia, and by the time she was done, there wouldn’t be a chance for the latter to make a comeback.

—

Xander’s Private Residence.

In the grand living room of the Scott residence, Aurora sat comfortably on the plush couch, sipping slightly chilled watermelon juice while watching the evening news.

Nene approached with a tablet in hand. “Ma’am, you might want to see this.”

Aurora took the tablet, scanning the article from Tea Time Gossip. A smirk tugged at her lips. “Interesting,” she murmured, setting the device down.

Nene frowned. “I don’t like how they can’t write about Olivia and Owen without mentioning your name.”

Aurora shrugged. “It’s a curse to be related to those two.”

Nene shook her head, exasperated. “Still, it’s annoying.”

Aurora chuckled. “Let them say whatever they want. I honestly don’t care anymore.” Although she couldn’t be bothered about what the blogs wrote about her, she was a bit curious, wondering if Casey was involved with Tea Time’s latest article.

Nene exhaled and set the tablet aside. “Would you like a foot massage?”

Aurora’s face brightened. “Absolutely.”

Nene smiled kindly. “I will make the arrangements.”

Minutes later, a servant arrived with a massage kit. Aurora settled back as the servant began working on her feet, a pleased sigh escaping her lips.