Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 281

Chapter 281: Stephanie’s Children Arrive
Two Days Later…

The afternoon sun bathed the grand Swift residence in a warm golden glow as two sleek, black cars pulled into the circular driveway. The house staff, already prepared for the guests, stood in a neat line, ready to receive them.

As soon as the car doors swung open, Stephanie’s two children stepped out, their presence commanding attention.

Her son, Damian Coker, was the first to emerge—a tall, well-built man in his late twenties with a sharp gaze that mirrored his mother’s. His tailored navy-blue suit fit him perfectly, exuding an air of effortless wealth and power.

Following closely behind was his younger sister, Ivy Coker, who was Olivia’s age mate. She stepped out of the car in a chic beige dress that hugged her curves, her dark, wavy hair cascading down her back. Her features were delicate, yet there was an unmistakable confidence in the way she carried herself.

The house staff immediately moved into action, rolling their luggage into the house while Stephanie, beaming with joy, stepped forward to greet them.

“My darlings,” she said warmly, opening her arms.

Damian was the first to embrace her, pressing a light kiss to her temple. “Mother,” he greeted, his voice deep and smooth.

Ivy followed suit, wrapping her arms around Stephanie. “I’ve missed you so much, Mom,” she murmured.

Stephanie smiled fondly, pulling back slightly to study their faces. “And I’ve missed you both. Come inside.”

She led them into the living area, where the grandeur of the Swift residence was on full display. The elegant chandeliers, the lavish decor, and the rich mahogany furniture still held the same warmth as when Adam was alive.

As they settled onto the plush couches, two housemaids appeared with a tray of refreshments—glasses of freshly squeezed juice and an assortment of snacks.

Damian leaned back, taking in his surroundings. He hummed in approval before turning to his mother. “Nothing has changed here.”

Ivy nodded in agreement, glancing around with nostalgic eyes. “It still feels like Uncle Adam is here,” she said softly. They had last visited during Adam’s funeral.

Stephanie’s smile was tinged with melancholy. “I left things this way as a remembrance of him,” she admitted, her voice calm but firm.

Her children exchanged glances before Damian gave a small nod. “I like that,” he said simply.

Ivy reached for her drink, but as she lifted the glass to her lips, her gaze flickered around once more before settling on their surroundings. “Where’s Olivia?” she asked curiously.

Stephanie didn’t even glance upstairs as she responded casually, “Probably sulking in her bedroom.”

Her children exchanged knowing looks.

For a while, they caught up, discussing everything from their recent travels to business ventures. Damian spoke about an Investment opportunity while Ivy animatedly talked about her latest shopping spree in Paris.

Everything was peaceful until footsteps echoed down the grand staircase.

All eyes turned toward the entrance of the living room as Olivia finally made her appearance.

She was dressed in a fitted black top and high-waisted jeans, her face devoid of warmth. The second her gaze landed on her cousins, her expression shifted into something unreadable, but there was no mistaking the hostility simmering beneath the surface.

Despite her tense posture, Damian and Ivy offered polite smiles.

“Olivia,” Damian greeted smoothly. “It’s been a while.”

Ivy smiled as well. “Hey, Olivia. How have you been?”

For a brief moment, Olivia remained silent, her cold gaze lingering on them. But when she caught the sharp look Stephanie shot her, she begrudgingly muttered, “Fine.”

The lack of enthusiasm in her voice was evident, and Ivy’s smile faltered slightly.

Stephanie remained composed, watching the silent battle unfold.

Then Olivia turned to her aunt, her tone clipped. “I thought you would have waited a little longer before inviting your children over,” she said. “Or at least until my mother’s trial was over.”

A heavy silence followed.

Stephanie’s expression didn’t waver, but her eyes darkened. “And why exactly should I do that?” she asked, her voice laced with subtle warning.

Olivia clenched her jaw. “Because it’s humiliating enough that our family’s name is being dragged through the mud. Now you’ve brought more people into this mess.”

Stephanie let out a quiet scoff before delivering a cold, cutting response. “Tell me, Olivia,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “Was I the one who asked your mother to kill people?”

Damian and Ivy stiffened slightly at their mother’s harsh words. The tension in the room grew so thick it was suffocating.

Olivia’s eyes burned red as hot tears threatened to spill. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, her entire body trembling with a mixture of anger and shame.

How dare her Aunt say that in front of her children?

Feeling humiliated, Olivia turned sharply on her heel and stormed out of the living room without another word.

Once she was gone, Damian sighed and leaned back into the couch, his fingers pressing against his temple. “That was… a little harsh, don’t you think?”

Stephanie remained unbothered. “She needed to hear it.”

Ivy, however, smirked slightly as she crossed her legs. “Honestly, I don’t feel bad for her. The way she looked at us when she walked in—like she was above us.”

Stephanie hummed. “She will learn soon enough.”

Damian sighed but said nothing more.

After a moment, Stephanie shifted the conversation. “Your cousin Aurora will be coming for dinner later.”

Damian’s expression brightened slightly. “It’s been a while since we last saw her.”

Ivy perked up as well. “I’m curious to see her again. She and Olivia are so different.”

Damian smirked. “That’s an understatement.”

Ivy giggled before her expression turned thoughtful. “I heard her husband is ridiculously rich.”

Stephanie arched a brow. “Where did you hear that?”

Ivy shrugged. “Here and there. Some friends mentioned it. His name is always in the business headlines.” Then she sighed dreamily. “I wouldn’t mind visiting her home.”

Stephanie let out a small chuckle before bursting her bubble. “Keep dreaming.”

Ivy frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

Stephanie didn’t bother answering, only sipping her drink with amusement dancing in her eyes.

Before Ivy could press further, Stephanie stood. “Come,” she said, gesturing for them to follow. “Let me show you around the house.”

As she led them through the grand corridors, Damian and Ivy took in the home they hadn’t visited in months.

Everything was beautiful. Luxurious. Nostalgic.

But beneath the surface, there was a tension that couldn’t be ignored.

A storm was brewing within the Swift family, and sooner or later, it would explode.