Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 318

Chapter 318: Two Decades of Estrangement
The Scott family’s fleet of luxury SUVs pulled up in front of the grand private winter resort, their tires crunching against the thick blanket of snow that covered the landscape.

The resort, exclusively booked for the family, was a stunning masterpiece of wood and stone—a grand cabin-style lodge surrounded by elegantly decorated villas and chalets.

Twinkling fairy lights adorned the eaves, while soft, golden lanterns illuminated the pathways leading up to the main entrance. The crisp mountain air carried the faint scent of pine and the distant warmth of a roaring fireplace.

As soon as the cars came to a halt, the doors swung open, and one by one, the family members stepped out.

On the outdoor patio, sipping hot drinks and gazing at the snow-covered surroundings, sat two figures who had yet to be introduced into the current generation of family gatherings.

Harrison Scott—the second eldest of the Scott brothers—and his wife, Eleanor, had already arrived earlier that day.

They watched the arrivals with keen, assessing gazes.

The moment Old Mr. and Mrs. Scott stepped out of their car, Harrison and Eleanor wasted no time. They descended the steps of the patio and walked straight toward the old couple.

“Mother,” Harrison greeted warmly, stepping forward to embrace Old Mrs. Scott.

The old lady’s face brightened as she returned the hug. “Harrison, my dear. It’s been years since I last saw you.”

“I know,” Harrison replied, pulling back with a small smile. “But I’m here now.”

Harrison and Eleanor hasn’t been attending the yearly family Christmas vacation since a few years.

Eleanor, elegant as ever in a fitted winter coat, turned to Old Mr. Scott and greeted him politely. “Father, it’s good to see you again.”

The old man gave her a small nod of acknowledgment before turning back to Harrison.

“Where are my granddaughters?” Old Mrs. Scott asked, glancing behind them.

Harrison let out a small chuckle. “They decided to attend a career business conference. They felt it was more important than spending the holidays here.”

The old woman shook her head fondly. “Those girls and their ambitions.”

Meanwhile, standing a few steps away, Richard and Patricia had yet to be acknowledged. They remained silent, but the tension between them and Harrison was unmistakable.

Aurora, observing everything from beside Xander, immediately noticed the lack of interaction. Not a single glance. Not a single word exchanged.

Something is definitely off.

But before she could dwell too long on the family dynamic, Xander moved forward with her in tow.

Harrison’s gaze shifted to his youngest brother.

“Xander,” Harrison greeted with a slight nod.

“Brother,” Xander responded in the same manner before stepping in for a brief, firm hug.

Aurora, sensing it was her turn, greeted Harrison and Eleanor with a polite smile. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both.”

Eleanor’s sharp, yet warm eyes studied Aurora for a second before she smiled. “So you’re the famous Aurora I’ve been hearing about,” she said smoothly. “You’re even more stunning in person.”

Aurora smiled politely. “Thank you.”

Eleanor chuckled. “No need to be so formal, dear. We’re family now.”

Despite Eleanor’s warmth, Aurora kept a comfortable distance. She wasn’t sure what kind of person she was yet, and from what she had already observed tonight, it was best to tread carefully.

The uneasy atmosphere between Richard and Harrison made one thing clear—Xander’s two elder brothers were not on good terms.

Aurora could practically feel the simmering tension between them, thick and unmoving.

Owen and Juliet approached to greet Harrison and Eleanor next.

“Uncle Harrison, Aunt Eleanor,” Owen said respectfully.

Harrison gave him a brief nod but said nothing. Eleanor merely smiled slightly before turning her attention back to Xander and Aurora.

It was subtle, but the message was loud and clear.

They had no interest in engaging further with Owen.

Juliet, however, was not subtle. As they walked away toward one of the villas, she pressed closer to Owen and murmured, “They practically ignored us.”

Owen sighed, already exhausted by the situation. “It’s not that serious, Juliet. There’s no place for us when my uncles and their wives are together.”

Juliet frowned but then hesitated before speaking again. “Still… there’s something off about the way your dad and Uncle Harrison behave around each other. Are they not on speaking terms?”

Owen’s entire demeanor shifted. His face darkened, and he turned to her with a sharp gaze.

“Don’t ever be curious about that matter,” he warned, his voice low and firm. “It’s none of your business.”

Juliet immediately pressed her lips together, realizing she had touched on a subject she shouldn’t have.

But Owen wasn’t done.

“And remember—no posting or taking pictures of any family members without their permission.”

Juliet mumbled, “I remember,” though her fingers twitched with the urge to pull out her phone and update her followers. But more especially, to let Olivia see what she’s missing out on.

—

Meanwhile – In Xander & Aurora’s Private Cottage

By the time Xander and Aurora arrived at their private cottage, their belongings had already been neatly unpacked by the staff. The spacious suite exuded warmth, with a large fireplace crackling softly in the background.

Xander stretched, unbuttoning his coat. “Let’s take a bath first, then we’ll join the rest of the family for dinner.”

Aurora sighed dramatically. “I wish Nene had come on this trip.”

Xander smirked. “Use me instead,” he said, understand her thoughts.

Aurora raised a brow at him. “Use you?”

He stepped forward, his hands slipping into the pockets of his slacks. “Put me to work. Need me to fluff your pillows? Draw your bath? Feed you grapes?”

Aurora chuckled, shaking her head. “I’d rather have a hot soak in the bath first.”

Xander wasted no time. He knelt down, unlacing her boots before pulling them off gently. Then he moved to her winter jacket, unzipping it slowly.

“You’re really doing this?” Aurora teased.

Xander smirked. “I said you could use me. And trying to keep to my words.”

Aurora rolled her eyes but smiled as he carefully slid her jacket off her shoulders.

As he hung up her coat, Aurora casually said, “The tension in the air between your two brothers is thicker than this winter coat.”

Xander chuckled but didn’t deny it.

“How long has that rift lasted?” she asked.

Xander took a moment before answering. “Over twenty years.”

Aurora’s eyes widened. “That long?”

He nodded. “Let’s just say… a lot of things happened in the past.”

Aurora couldn’t imagine being estranged from a sibling for two decades.

She let out a breath. “Thanks for the heads-up. Now I can mentally prepare myself for any upcoming drama.”

Xander smirked as he reached for the belt of her robe. “You sure you don’t need me in that bath with you?”

Aurora flicked his forehead lightly. “Nice try.”

Xander laughed and stepped back, letting her disappear into the bathroom.