Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 320

Chapter 320: Juliet Seeks for Attention
Owen frowned. “What do you mean?”

Richard’s gaze was sharp. “Make a name for yourself. Make me proud for once instead of complaining.”

Owen clenched his jaw but said nothing.

Richard continued, his voice carrying weight. “Your cousin sisters, Miriam and Prudent, are building their own empires without relying on our family name. They don’t wait for handouts. They don’t sit around whining about respect.”

Owen’s grip on his glass tightened.

But Richard wasn’t finished.

“And let’s not forget,” he said coolly, “you had a good woman by your side once—Aurora.”

Owen’s jaw twitched.

Richard leaned back in his chair. “But you lost her. And now? You have no choice but to respect her, because she’s now your uncle’s wife.”

Owen’s entire body stiffened at the reminder.

Richard smirked. “Let that sink in.”

Owen said nothing.

He couldn’t.

Because no matter how much he wanted to deny it—his father was right.

—

The morning was crisp, and the winter sun gleamed over the snow-covered peaks surrounding the Scott family’s private resort. The air smelled fresh, the quiet hum of the heater filling the cozy lounge where Aurora sat, enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea.

Dressed in an elegant yet comfortable wool sweater and leggings, Aurora reclined on the plush armchair near the fireplace. The warmth from the flames crackled softly, complementing the gentle flicker of the candles decorating the room.

Across from her, Juliet took a seat, her expression unreadable. She had been lingering around Aurora more than usual, and from the glint in her eyes, Aurora already knew what was coming.

Juliet folded her hands neatly in her lap, offering a slow smile. “You know, Aurora,” she started, her voice light, “I have to admire your boldness.”

Aurora said nothing. She simply took another sip of her tea, her face void of expression.

Juliet continued, tilting her head slightly. “It must take a certain kind of woman to date her ex-husband’s uncle and then marry him.”

Still, Aurora didn’t react.

Seeing that her words weren’t getting a rise out of her, Juliet’s smile tightened. “You’re glowing,” she said after a moment, her eyes flickering to Aurora’s stomach. “Pregnancy must be so much easier when you don’t have to worry about your husband leaving you for someone else.”

Aurora calmly set her teacup down on the saucer, her fingers steady, her face unreadable. Then, without missing a beat, she replied, “I guess we would never know.”

Silence.

Juliet’s lips parted slightly as if she wanted to respond, but no words came out. Aurora had answered her in the most subtle yet cutting way possible.

Aurora, on the other hand, merely picked up her teacup again and took another sip, completely unbothered.

—

Scott Family Ski Trip.

A short while later, the family gathered at the resort’s private ski lodge, preparing for a day on the slopes. The resort staff had already prepared their skiing gear, and the excitement in the air was almost infectious.

Aurora, wrapped in a thick winter coat with fur-lined gloves, stood beside Xander as he adjusted her scarf. “Is this too tight?” he asked, ensuring she was warm enough.

She shook her head, smiling. “It’s perfect.”

Xander nodded in satisfaction before helping her into her boots. While the others were eager to start skiing, his priority remained on her. “Let me know if you get tired,” he reminded her.

Juliet, who had been watching them from the side, felt a familiar burn of jealousy crawl up her spine.

Xander was so attentive, so gentle, so present with Aurora. It was a stark contrast to Owen, who stood a few feet away chatting casually with the staff, completely indifferent to her presence.

Unable to contain herself, Juliet reached for Owen’s arm. “Owen,” she said sweetly, “help me adjust my gloves.”

Owen barely glanced at her. “You can do it yourself.”

Juliet’s smile wavered. “But your uncle is helping Aurora. Shouldn’t you—”

Owen exhaled, already annoyed. “Juliet, just wear your gloves. Let’s not make this complicated.”

Juliet pursed her lips. “It’s not about the gloves, Owen,” she said, her tone sharper now. “It’s about effort.”

Owen frowned. “What are you trying to say?”

Juliet huffed, throwing a glance in Aurora’s direction. “Just look at how attentive your uncle is to his wife. You should be treating me like that too!”

Owen’s patience snapped. “Juliet, stop comparing us to them!” he hissed. “Xander is Xander. I am not him.”

Juliet crossed her arms. “Well, maybe if you tried a little harder—”

“That’s enough,” Owen cut in, his voice hard. He had reached his limit.

Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked away.

“Owen!” Juliet called after him.

He didn’t turn around. He didn’t even spare her a glance.

Juliet’s face turned red with frustration as she watched him disappear down the slope.

—

After a long and eventful day of skiing, the family gradually returned to the lodge to remove their gear and freshen up before dinner.

Owen, having waited for the right moment, approached Xander as he finished unbuckling his ski boots.

“Uncle Xander,” he started.

Xander glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “What is it?”

Owen hesitated, then exhaled sharply. “I want back in at the company.”

Xander raised a brow. “Is that so?”

Owen nodded. “Yes. I know I messed up before, but I’ve been reflecting on things. I’m serious about this.”

Xander studied him for a long moment.

Then, he spoke, his voice calm but firm. “Owen, the problem isn’t your skills or your ability to work. It’s you.”

Owen tensed.

“You have no sense of responsibility. You still act on impulse. You make reckless decisions without thinking of the consequences.” Xander leaned back, his gaze unwavering. “Until you prove that you’ve changed, I can’t consider bringing you back into the company.”

Owen clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his skin. But deep down, he knew Xander was right.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to nod. “Understood.”

Xander gave a small nod before standing up. “We’ll see how things go.”

Owen remained where he was, fists clenched, feeling a mixture of resentment and realization.

If he wanted respect… if he wanted his place in the family back…

He had to earn it.