Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 311

Chapter 311: Stella Swift’s Final Case Verdict
The courtroom was silent, save for the faint shuffling of papers as the judge prepared to read his final ruling. Unlike the previous hearings, this session was completely private—no reporters, no cameras, no unnecessary spectators.

Only the legal representatives, the jury, the prosecution, and the defense were present. And among them, sitting alone in the gallery, was Stephanie Swift—the only member of the Swift family who had chosen to attend.

Her expression was unreadable, her posture poised as she watched her former sister-in-law, Stella Swift, standing at the defendant’s table in her beige prison uniform, her wrists shackled in front of her.

For weeks, this trial had dragged on. Witness testimonies, forensic evidence, financial records—all had piled up against Stella, proving her involvement in multiple crimes.

And now, the final moment had arrived.

The judge, an elderly man with a firm yet neutral gaze, adjusted his glasses and began.

“The defendant, Stella Swift, is hereby found guilty on the following three charges:”

1. First-degree murder – for orchestrating the assassination attempt on Aurora Swift, which led to the unintended death of her own husband, Adam Swift, instead.

2. Obstruction of justice and evidence tampering – for covering up her role in the crime by ordering the murder of the hired assassin, ensuring there were no witnesses to tie her to the crime.

3. Conspiracy to commit murder – for planning and funding the assassination of Aurora Swift, an act that resulted in the tragic chain of events that followed.

Stephanie sat still, showing no reaction, while Stella visibly stiffened. Her face, once carefully composed, paled slightly as she braced herself for the sentencing.

The judge took a deep breath before delivering his final ruling.

“In light of the overwhelming evidence presented, and given the severity of these crimes, this court hereby sentences you, Stella Swift, to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Your sentence shall be carried out immediately.”

A gasp rippled through the courtroom.

Stella froze, her fingers tightening into fists as the weight of the verdict settled over her.

Life in prison. No chance of freedom. No second chances.

Her breathing turned shallow, her eyes darting toward her lawyer in desperation, but he only looked down, defeated.

Then, the reality of it all crashed down on her, and she snapped.

“NO!” Stella slammed her fists against the table, her voice breaking into a desperate scream. “This isn’t fair! I was framed!”

The judge remained unmoved. “The evidence disagrees with you, Mrs. Swift.”

Two uniformed officers approached, preparing to escort her out, but Stella wasn’t done.

“You can’t do this!” she shrieked, her eyes blazing with fury as she turned toward Stephanie. “This is your fault! You wanted this! You—”

Stephanie finally looked at her.

Not with anger. Not with satisfaction.

Just cold, empty indifference.

She tilted her head slightly, as if observing an insect struggling for life, before turning away without a word.

That dismissal—more than the judge’s verdict—sent Stella into a blind rage.

“STEPHANIE!” she screamed, fighting against the officers as they grabbed her arms. “LOOK AT ME! DON’T YOU DARE TURN YOUR BACK ON ME! THIS ISN’T OVER! I SWEAR, I’LL—”

Her voice cut off as the guards forcibly dragged her toward the courtroom exit, her screams echoing down the hall.

And just like that, Stella Swift disappeared from sight, forever removed from the life she once controlled.

A heavy silence followed.

Stephanie sat motionless for a moment before rising gracefully from her seat. She smoothed down her dress, adjusted her purse, and walked out of the courtroom without looking back.

It was finally over.

—

OUTSIDE THE COURTHOUSE…

The moment Stephanie stepped out of the grand courthouse doors, she was immediately swarmed by a sea of eager reporters, their microphones and cameras thrust toward her.

“Mrs. Coker! Can you confirm the final verdict?”

“Chairwoman! Is it true that Stella Swift has been sentenced to life in prison?”

“Will the Swift family be releasing a statement?”

“Did Stella show any remorse during the trial?”

The bright flashes of cameras flickered around her, but Stephanie remained poised and untouched by the chaos.

She raised a single hand, signalling for silence.

The crowd fell still, hanging onto her next words.

With a cool, controlled voice, she delivered her only response:

“The judge’s ruling will be made public soon. Until then, I advise you to wait for the official court statement.”

Without another word, she walked toward her waiting car, leaving the reporters buzzing in speculation.

Within hours, news of Stella Swift’s sentencing would dominate headlines across Wing City.

But for Stephanie, this chapter was already closed. Her brother has finally gotten his justice.

And Stella was no longer her problem.

—

Xander’s Private Residence.

The fire crackled softly in the dimly lit living room, casting warm golden hues against the walls. Aurora sat curled up in an armchair near the fireplace, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames. A soft woolen blanket draped over her legs, but despite the warmth surrounding her, there was a distant look in her eyes—one of deep thought rather than comfort.

Footsteps approached, slow and steady, before stopping beside her.

“Here,” Xander’s familiar voice murmured.

She turned just in time to see him kneeling beside her, offering a cup of hot chocolate. Steam curled from the surface, carrying the sweet scent of cocoa and cinnamon.

Aurora gave him a small smile and took the cup, the warmth spreading through her fingers. “Thank you.”

Xander didn’t say anything right away. Instead, he settled down on the couch next to her, stretching his long legs and letting the silence linger.

The fire crackled. The wind outside howled faintly.

And then—he spoke.

“It’s over.” His voice was quiet, but firm. “Stella was sentenced to life in prison today. No parole.”

Aurora stilled.

She exhaled softly, her fingers tightening around the mug as she processed the words. “That’s a relief,” she said after a moment. “My father’s murderer is finally getting punished.”

But though her lips formed the words, her expression wasn’t one of triumph or satisfaction. She simply looked… thoughtful. Maybe even a little tired.

Xander noticed.

He reached out, carefully slipping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her against him. “Come here,” he murmured, mindful of the cup in her hands.

Aurora let herself lean into him, resting her head against his shoulder. The steady beat of his heart beneath her ear was comforting. Safe.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before speaking again, his voice softer now. “It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling right now.”

Aurora closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself settle into his embrace. She wasn’t sure what she felt, really. Relief, yes. But also… an odd sort of emptiness. Like something had come to an end, but it didn’t bring the satisfaction she once thought it would.

“I know,” she whispered.

Xander rubbed slow circles along her back, letting the silence return. He didn’t push her to speak further. He just held her, letting the warmth of the fire and the quiet understanding between them do the rest.