Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 298

Chapter 298: A Toast to Herself
Dinner at the Swift residence was usually a quiet, elegant affair. The long mahogany dining table was set impeccably, the crystal chandelier overhead casting a soft glow over the delicate china and silverware.

Stephanie sat at the head of the table, gracefully sipping her freshly squeezed pineapple juice, while Ivy and Damien enjoyed their meal at either side of her.

Then came the sound of heels clicking against the marble floors.

Olivia.

As always, she made an entrance.

Dressed in a sleek silk robe, her hair perfectly styled, she strutted toward the dining table with an air of confidence that was impossible to ignore. Without a care, she pulled out a chair at the other end of the head table—the same one she always claimed, as though she were entitled to it.

She lowered herself into the seat, her lips curving into a pleased smile.

“I’ll have a bottle of wine,” Olivia announced, her tone light and airy, as though she were at a private celebration rather than a simple family dinner.

One of the maids standing at the corner of the room hurried forward, bowing slightly before presenting her with a bottle of expensive red wine, one of Vintage Cellar’s oldest products. Olivia took it with satisfaction, inspecting the label as if making sure it was worthy of her.

Then, she raised the bottle slightly. “I’d like to make a toast.”

Ivy and Damien exchanged glances, neither of them particularly interested, but Stephanie remained quiet, watching her niece with mild curiosity.

“To me,” Olivia declared, her voice ringing with self-admiration. “For successfully returning to Vintage Cellar, despite all the obstacles thrown in my way.”

She poured herself a generous amount of wine and lifted her glass in the air. When she noticed that her cousins had no intention of joining, she simply shrugged.

“If you’re interested in celebrating my victory, pour your own,” she said smoothly before taking a slow, deliberate sip.

Ivy’s lips twitched in amusement, but she refrained from commenting, instead stabbing her fork into her meal. Damien, on the other hand, continued eating as though Olivia weren’t even there.

Stephanie, as patient as ever, waited until Olivia had finished her toast and was sipping her wine before speaking.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten that you’ll still have to continue your counselling sessions, Olivia,” she reminded her calmly.

Olivia exhaled lightly through her nose, setting her wine glass down. “I know, Aunt. And trust me, I can’t wait to be done with it.” She flashed her usual dazzling smile, then picked up her cutlery and dug into her meal, completely unbothered by the lingering tension at the table.

But actually, she had meant her words earlier. She couldn’t wait to be done with seeing the doctor so she could have her peace. She was already tired of the sessions and was barely holding on because of the important perk that came with it.

The dinner proceeded with idle conversation, though Olivia hardly contributed. She simply enjoyed her food, drinking in small, pleased sips, completely in her own world.

Then, as soon as she finished eating, she dabbed the corners of her lips with a napkin and pushed her chair back.

“Well, it’s been a lovely evening,” she said sweetly, her tone almost exaggerated in its pleasantness. “Goodnight, everyone.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and sauntered out of the dining hall, her silk robe flowing elegantly behind her, giving an attitude, just like its owner.

The moment she was out of sight, Ivy let out a dramatic sigh and reached for the bottle of wine Olivia had abandoned. She poured herself a glass, swirling the contents slightly before muttering, “I don’t know why she’s so overly happy tonight.”

Damien, who had remained mostly indifferent throughout dinner, shook his head. “Mind your business, Ivy. It’s better not to try and figure out Olivia’s moods. It would be bad if you got into a heated argument with her.”

Ivy huffed but didn’t argue. Instead, she took a slow sip of the wine before setting her glass down. “Mom, I’ve been thinking… I’d really like to visit Vintage Cellar. I want to see how wine is actually made.”

Stephanie, who had been silently enjoying her drink, looked at her daughter with mild surprise before smiling. “That can be arranged. I’m visiting the winery this Friday for a meeting. I will take you and your brother with me. And show you around.”

Ivy perked up instantly, excitement flickering in her eyes. “Really? That’s great!”

Damien, though not as outwardly enthusiastic, nodded in acknowledgment. “That would be interesting to see.”

Stephanie took another sip of her pineapple juice before setting her glass down. “Speaking of Vintage Cellar, have either of you considered working there?”

Ivy immediately scrunched her nose. “Office work? Sitting at a desk from morning until noon? Absolutely not.” Then, after a moment, she added with a playful smile, “But I wouldn’t mind giving it a try just for fun.”

Stephanie turned to Damien, waiting for his answer. “What about you? What do you think?”

He exhaled and leaned back into his seat. “I don’t see anything wrong with working at Vintage Cellar. It would be good for experience purposes. But…” He hesitated slightly before continuing, “I’m just wondering what Aurora and Olivia would think if you brought us in. Remember, it’s just been a few days since we moved into their father’s house. They might be think otherwise with the company.”

Stephanie let out a small chuckle. “Aurora isn’t narrow-minded, Damien. She would have no issue with it. Olivia, on the other hand… well, you already know how she is.”

Damien nodded, understanding exactly what his mother meant. Olivia would definitely throw a fit, but honestly, that wasn’t his concern.

Ivy, however, rolled her eyes dramatically. “I don’t care what Olivia thinks. I can choose to work wherever I want.” She sounded as if she couldn’t wait for the day when she would pick a fight with Olivia.

Stephanie smiled in amusement. “That’s the spirit.”

And with that, the dinner continued, the conversation shifting to lighter topics.