Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 309

Chapter 309: DANTE Group’s 40th Anniversary
CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED & NINE: Dante Group’s 40th Anniversary

Swift Family Residence.

A few days later…

The living room of the Swift residence was filled with an air of excitement as Ivy and Damien sat comfortably on the plush sofa, already dressed for the grand event. Dante Group’s 40th Anniversary.

Ivy, clad in a stylish off-shoulder emerald gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, admired her reflection in the large decorative mirror across the room. Her long, auburn hair cascaded in soft waves, and her makeup was flawlessly applied.

Damien, on the other hand, looked effortlessly sharp in his tailored black tuxedo, scrolling through his phone as he waited.

Soon, the soft sound of heels clicking against the marble floor caught their attention.

Their mother had arrived.

Stephanie stepped into the living room, dressed in an exquisite navy-blue evening gown with silver embellishments. Her posture was regal, her expression poised. She looked at her children approvingly, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips.

“You both look wonderful,” she said, smoothing a hand over the fabric of her dress. “Let’s go.”

But just as she turned toward the door, another set of heels echoed from the staircase.

Olivia.

She descended gracefully, dressed in a deep red satin gown that clung to her figure. Her dark curls were styled to perfection, cascading over her bare shoulders, and her bold red lipstick matched the sharp glint in her eyes. A dazzling diamond necklace rested against her collarbone, gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier.

Stephanie turned at the sound, her expression unreadable as she took in Olivia’s appearance.

“Where are you going?” she asked calmly, though there was a knowing edge to her voice.

Olivia blinked, momentarily thrown off. “What do you mean? I’m attending the anniversary, of course.”

Stephanie let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Olivia, but you’re not going to that event with us.”

Olivia’s brows furrowed. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t trust you to keep your emotions in check,” Stephanie stated coolly. “Your ex-husband, Owen, and his new wife will be in attendance. Given everything that has happened, I won’t risk a scene.”

Olivia’s jaw tightened, anger flashing in her eyes. “That’s unfair!” she hissed. “How could you take your children and leave me behind? I should be the one going, not them! Also, who said I can’t keep my emotions in check?”

Stephanie simply smiled, the picture of elegance and control. “You’re free to attend, Olivia,” she said smoothly. “But only if you have your own personal invitation. You won’t be entering with me.”

Olivia’s nostrils flared. “You—”

“And, might I remind you that your mother’s final trial was postponed until Monday. Even if you aren’t filial, you shouldn’t be seen tonight,” Stephanie finished and turned to Ivy and Damien, not bothering to entertain Olivia’s fury. “Let’s go.”

Ivy, unable to resist, flashed Olivia a taunting smile as she gracefully linked her arm with her mother’s.

Olivia’s fists clenched at her sides as she watched them walk away, rage bubbling beneath her skin.

She had never felt more insulted.

—

DANTE GROUP’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY – GRAND BALLROOM.

The prestigious event was held in one of the most luxurious venues in Wing City—a grand ballroom adorned with sparkling chandeliers, towering floral arrangements, and tables covered in fine linen.

Dignitaries, elite businessmen, celebrities, and high-profile figures filled the vast room, their laughter and conversations blending into the elegant hum of the evening.

Even the President of Wing City was in attendance, alongside key government officials.

News reporters and photographers from the top three media companies hovered in the background, eager to capture every moment of the night.

At the beginning of the event, the lights dimmed slightly, and the large LED screens displayed the Dante Group emblem as a familiar figure walked onto the grand stage.

Xander Scott.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he exuded power and confidence as he approached the podium.

The room fell silent as the CEO of Dante Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors prepared to speak.

With a charming yet authoritative smile, Xander adjusted the microphone and began.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he greeted smoothly. “It is an honor to stand before you tonight as we celebrate Dante Group’s 40th anniversary.”

A round of applause echoed through the room.

“First and foremost, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here. Your presence means a great deal to us.”

His sharp gaze scanned the room before he continued.

“I’d like to thank my predecessors, my parents personally, for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my journey in this company.”

The cameras zoomed in on Xander’s parents, who sat at a distinguished table among other VIPs.

“And of course,” Xander’s voice softened slightly, “I want to thank my wife for being my greatest pillar of support and understanding.”

At that moment, the camera panned to Aurora.

Dressed in an elegant champagne-colored gown, her soft curls pinned to the side, she sat gracefully beside Xander’s parents.

But it wasn’t just her beauty that caught people’s attention—it was the small yet unmistakable baby bump that rested beneath her dress.

Gasps rippled through the audience, whispers quickly following.

Many had not seen Aurora in public, in a while, and this was their first time realizing that she was pregnant.

Meanwhile, at another table, Ivy watched the scene unfold with great interest.

She leaned slightly toward her mother. “Wait, is that the famous Mr. Scott Aurora married?” she whispered in disbelief.

Stephanie nodded without looking away from the stage. “Yes.”

Ivy’s lips parted in realization. “Wow,” she murmured. “I can’t believe Xander—one of the most powerful men in the business world—is Olivia’s ex-husband’s uncle.”

Stephanie hummed. “The Scott family is full of surprises.”

Curious, Ivy shifted in her seat. “So, where’s Owen?”

Stephanie subtly gestured toward another table.

Ivy followed her gaze and finally spotted him.

Owen sat at a different VIP table, looking as sharp as ever in a sleek tuxedo. His expression was calm and composed as he engaged in conversation with those around him.

Beside him, his new wife, Juliet, sat with her hands delicately folded on her lap, her baby bump very visible beneath her fitted gown.

Ivy arched a brow.

“So, that’s the guy Olivia lost her mind over?” she mused. “I mean, I get it now. He’s handsome, and he comes from the Scott family. No wonder she snatched him from Aurora.”

Stephanie shot her daughter a look. “Shush.”

Ivy smirked, but she obeyed.

The event continued seamlessly, filled with elegant performances, fine dining, and more speeches from prominent figures.

But for some guests, the real entertainment wasn’t the event itself—it was the drama quietly brewing beneath the surface.

And it was only a matter of time before it exploded.