Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 319

Chapter 319: The Rift at the Dinner Table
One by one, members of the Scott family and their spouses entered the grand dining hall, where a long, elegantly decorated table stretched before them. The warm glow of the chandelier reflected off the polished silverware, and the aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and winter spices filled the air.

Aurora, clad in a cozy yet elegant cashmere dress, walked beside Xander as they made their way to their seats. His hand rested on the small of her back, a silent gesture of warmth and protection.

As everyone settled into their respective places, Old Mr. Scott cleared his throat, commanding instant attention. “Let’s pray.”

The room fell silent as he led the brief prayer, his deep voice resonating through the dining hall. After the final amen, he gestured toward the spread before them. “Eat.”

The clinking of cutlery against plates followed as everyone began their meal.

Xander, ever the attentive husband, used his knife to cut Aurora’s steak into smaller pieces before swapping his plate with hers. “Do you want more gravy?” he asked as he reached for the sauce boat.

Aurora shook her head, giving him a gentle smile. “No, I’m fine. You should eat, too.”

Xander smirked but didn’t argue, picking up his fork to eat.

Meanwhile, Old Mr. Scott turned his attention to Harrison. “How long is the business conference Miriam and Prudent went for?”

Harrison, who had been sipping his wine, set down his glass. “It’s a three-day program,” he answered.

Old Mrs. Scott’s face brightened. “Would it be possible for them to join us for the last two days of the vacation?”

Harrison nodded. “They already mentioned that they would make the effort to come, as they haven’t seen you and father in a while.”

Old Mrs. Scott smiled proudly. “Good. I’m glad my granddaughters are doing well in their careers.”

The moment those words left her lips, the mood at the table shifted slightly.

Harrison, while keeping a pleasant expression, made a subtle yet sharp remark. “I suppose it helps that they aren’t caught up in any scandals, unlike other children. I and their mother’s did well raising them.”

The air at the table grew tense.

Richard, who had been cutting his food, set down his knife and fork. His wife, Patricia, stiffened beside him, her grip tightening on her glass.

Patricia gave a short, humorless chuckle. “Knowing one’s place in society does wonders for reputation, unlike some people who see themselves above others and doesn’t even make an effort in the family business,” she said smoothly.

Eleanor, who had been quiet until now, let out a soft sigh and muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear, “Yes… everyone in this family certainly knows who married up. They are so tactless and without character.”

That was it.

The conversation ignited like a match to dry wood.

Richard turned his gaze to Eleanor, his expression darkening. “If you have something to say, Eleanor, say it properly.”

“Oh, I think I was clear enough,” Eleanor replied, tilting her head. “Some of us married into this family because it was arranged. Others forced their way in and reaped the benefits.”

Patricia scoffed. “It must be exhausting holding onto a grudge for twenty years.”

Harrison cut in with a sharp glare. “Maybe if certain people had done their duty, things wouldn’t have turned out this way.”

Aurora, who had been quietly eating, paused mid-bite. What is going on?

Xander let out a deep sigh beside her, rubbing his temple as the back-and-forth between his brothers and their wives intensified.

The jabs became more pointed.

The tension grew heavier.

And then—

SLAM!

Old Mr. Scott’s palm landed hard against the table, silencing everyone instantly.

Not a single fork or knife moved.

Richard and Harrison both pressed their lips into thin lines. Patricia and Eleanor turned away from each other, clearly seething.

Xander exhaled before speaking, his voice calm but firm. “Are you really doing this? On Christmas?”

Old Mrs. Scott’s gaze swept across the table. “I don’t want a repeat of this,” she warned, her tone carrying a finality that no one dared to challenge.

Silence blanketed the rest of the dinner.

No more quarreling. No more bickering.

Only the sounds of cutlery scraping against plates remained.

—

Later That Night – Xander & Aurora’s Bedroom

As Xander and Aurora lay in bed, the events of the evening replayed in Aurora’s mind. She turned slightly, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Xander,” she murmured, “what exactly happened between your brothers?”

Xander let out a breath, running a hand through his hair before answering. “It started a long time ago. I wasn’t even a teenager then.”

Aurora listened intently.

“My parents originally arranged for Richard and Eleanor to marry,” he began. “But then Patricia entered the picture.”

Aurora frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Richard fell for Patricia and decided to break off the arranged engagement with Eleanor. But by then, Eleanor had already fallen in love with him.”

Aurora’s eyes widened slightly. “That’s… complicated.”

Xander nodded. “Because of a business partnership between both families, my parents and Eleanor’s parents insisted on the marriage happening anyway. But since Richard had already changed his mind, Eleanor was pushed to marry Harrison instead.”

Aurora stared at him. “So, your second brother was forced to marry Eleanor?”

“Yes. He had someone else he was dating at the time, but in the end, he was pressured into the marriage.”

Aurora lay still, absorbing the information. No wonder Harrison still held resentment against Richard.

She exhaled deeply. “And Eleanor… she must hate Patricia for ruining her chance with Richard.”

Xander smirked slightly. “That’s an understatement.”

Aurora shook her head. “This is a mess.”

Xander chuckled. “You think?”

Aurora let out a sigh. “Well, at least now I know what I’m dealing with.”

Xander turned to her, his fingers tracing small circles on her arm. “You sure you can handle this?”

Aurora smirked. “I didn’t get to where I am by being weak, Xander.”

His eyes twinkled with amusement. “That’s my girl.”

—

Elsewhere in the resort, Owen sat across from his father, Richard, in a quiet corner of the lounge.

Owen leaned forward, his fingers gripping his glass. “Dad, I feel like no one takes me seriously in this family.”

Richard took a slow sip of his whiskey before setting the glass down. “Then do something about it.”