Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: A Sweet Sinister Smile

Stella held Olivia’s gaze for a moment before taking her hand, a reassuring smile slowly spreading across her face.

“Your father is going to guess we are behind it and take it out on us but who cares? He has to bring the evidence if he wants to accuse us.”

Instantly, the smile reached Olivia’s eyes. “Thank you, Mum. You are the best!” she praised, immediately enveloping her in a hug.

“Now, go back to your party and keep your guests entertained.” Stella patted her on the back twice and pushed her away gently.

Feeling the success of her own party, Olivia was unable to wait until the end before going to meet her father.

She sat next to him and asked, “Dad, what do you think about my launch party?”

Adam withdrew his gaze from the people partying and turned to her. “It’s too early to know what I think.”

He had looked around the cruise ship and noticed that many people of his age didn’t attend the launch. And those who did were sitting at a place like him because they couldn’t relate to the youngster’s kind of fun.

Olivia thought he was just being stingy with his compliments and left him alone. She joined her friends in the spraying champagne fun while dancing to the tune of the music.

At the other end, Xander was worried about something and called Nene into his study after dinner. He wasn’t satisfied even though he learned that Aurora had finally agreed to use the outfit he arranged for her launch party.

Earning her forgiveness was more important, so he employed Nene’s help.

“I deeply offended my wife. How do I apologize to her?” he inquired, his brows furrowed in concern. “Should I buy her a villa or gift her an island to build a vacation home?”

Nene released a deep sigh. “Mr. Scott, although I have known Mrs. Scott for a short while, I am sure luxury doesn’t move her. She comes from Money. What kind of wealth has she not seen?”

“Mine,” Xander answered with a serious expression on his face.

Nene’s lips twitched. Even though he was right, she felt that this wasn’t the time to boast about it.

“Mr. Scott, you still don’t understand,” she sighed.

“Then what can move her?” he asked genuinely.

“Sincerity,” Nene revealed. “Little gestures and not grand ones move Mrs. Scott. If you are not ready to be sincere in your actions, I will advise that you don’t think about apologizing otherwise you will worsen your situation. You might end up getting cursed at or killed as she is so mad at you ”

Xander patiently listened to everything she said and slowly leaned out of his seat, pinning his gaze on her.

“I thought my wife was the one I offended?” he asked. “You sound like a vengeful ghost who wants to get revenge on me instead.”

He had been watching her reaction from the onset and believed she was equally mad at him. “Also, when did you start talking too much?” he added.

“You asked a question. I was only helping out,” Nene answered without blinking.

Even if Xander was a little offended by her response, he couldn’t do much. Nene was almost ten years older than him, so he did respect her.

“Thank you for your idea. Good night,” he said, dismissing her.

Nene bowed politely. But as soon as she stepped out and shut the door, she released a deep sigh. Her gaze lingered on the door for a moment before she turned around and left.

~***~

TUESDAY.

Finally, the day for Aurora’s ‘Fruit Punch Champagne’ launch arrived.

Aurora left the house with Nene and the entire team Xander arranged to get her ready for the day at noon.

She arrived at the hotel and checked into her suite before going down to the event room in her Adidas black trainers and a face cap.

Everything was set, including the seating arrangements. The ushers were dressed and waiting. The technical team set the sound and improved it a little when Aurora noticed she couldn’t hear herself while on stage.

After that, Aurora did a mini-rehearsal with her team before checking on the little souvenirs still being packaged for her guests.

With the launch party preparations nearly complete, Aurora gathered the event planner, staff, and security team for a final briefing.

“Ensuring our guests’ safety and comfort is our top priority,” she emphasized. “As esteemed individuals, they deserve exceptional treatment. I want to provide a seamless, luxurious experience that exceeds their expectations.”

Aurora retreated to her hotel room to prepare for the launch. As she underwent pampering – facials, hairstyling, and makeup – a stunning bouquet of red roses arrived, accompanied by a heartfelt congratulatory note.

She placed the arrangement on her dresser, catching Nene’s knowing gaze in the mirror. The identity of the sender was unmistakable: Alexander Scott.

Aurora stood tall, a vision in her champagne floor-length gown. Her bare neck and gold earrings created a striking contrast, while the matte red lipstick accentuated her flawless mineral makeup. Every accessory was meticulously chosen to complement her outfit and exude confidence.

Thanks to Xander’s team, she looked and felt impeccable.

Ten minutes before the launch, Aurora entered the hall to find it nearly filled with guests, exceeding her expectations. A wave of relief washed over her, and she envisioned the launch’s success.

As soft music played in the background, she accepted a champagne glass from a waiter and made a graceful entrance, drawing every eye in the room. The soft gasps of admiration boosted her confidence.

Aurora’s first stop was her family’s table, where her father’s beaming smile welcomed her. She clinked glasses with him, and he said, “I’m proud of you,” his voice filled with sincerity as he sipped his champagne.

Aurora thanked him and turned to her stepmother who offered a congratulatory smile and raised her glass.

“Congratulations,” Stella said, her tone masking the envy and curiosity brewing beneath. She couldn’t help but wonder how Aurora had managed to attract such an impressive guest list.

“Thank you,” Aurora said before moving her gaze to Olivia, who sat stone-faced, her jealousy palpable.

Olivia’s eyes narrowed, fixated on Aurora’s stunning gown. “Sister, I almost thought we had come for a fashion show instead of a champagne launch seeing you in that gown,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Aurora smiled graciously, totally ignoring her taunts. “Thank you.” With that, she excused herself, leaving Olivia’s petty remark hanging in the air.

As Adam excused himself to greet newcomers, Olivia’s voice dropped to a venomous whisper, and her eyes locked on Aurora. “Mum, I can’t tolerate that smug smile any longer. Look at all the prestigious guests present. It will be best if this event ends before it even begins.”

Stella’s gaze lingered on Aurora, a calculated glint in her eye. “Patience, darling,” she whispered back, her smile sweetly sinister as she drummed her fingers on the table. “The evening has only just begun… trust your mother.”