Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Lights Out

Aurora glided effortlessly through the crowded room, exchanging warm smiles and handshakes with her esteemed guests. Her champagne gown shimmered under the soft lighting, drawing more admiring glances from every direction.

As she made her way through the cluster of guests while scanning the room, she spotted Abigail waving enthusiastically from the fourth table and quickly approached her with a warm smile.

Abigail jumped up to hug her tightly. “OMG! Aura, you look stunning! Congratulations on this achievement.”

“Thank you, Abby.” Aurora thanked Abigail, greeting her mother and the two industry icons she’d brought along – renowned actress, Gabriella Grant, and acclaimed producer, Cain Blackwood.

Abigail’s mother, Evelyn kissed her on both cheeks, beaming with pride. “Aurora, dear, you’ve outdone yourself. This launch is the talk of the town.”

“You must be Aurora Swift,” Gabriella said with a warm smile, offering her hand. “I’ve heard so much about this event. Congratulations.”

Aurora shook her hand, momentarily taken aback by the actress’s genuine warmth. “Thank you. I’m a huge fan of your work,” she replied. Turning to Cain, she added, “And yours too, Mr. Cain. Your films have always inspired me.”

“Call me Cain,” the producer chuckled, clearly charmed by Aurora’s graciousness. “And let me say, this event is impeccable. I can see why it’s the talk of the industry.”

Just then, Aurora saw Asher accompanied by two influential figures – Emily Patel, creative director of Jimmy Miu, a popular luxury fashion brand, and Rachel Lee, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine at Xander’s table and excused herself.

She greeted Xander politely, her gaze lingering on his clean-cut look before turning her attention to Asher, “Good to see you, Mr. Moore.”

“Hey Aurora,” Asher shook her hand firmly. “Allow me to introduce you to Emily and Rachel,” Asher said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Aurora’s eyes widened as she exchanged greetings with the fashion powerhouses. “It’s an honour to meet you both.”

Emily Patel praised Aurora’s gown. “You look breathtaking.” Then shifting her gaze to Asher, she finished, “I’m guessing this is the works of your hands.”

“You have good eyes,” Asher chuckled.

Aurora almost couldn’t hold back the shock on her face learning that her gown was designed by Asher. Her gaze fell on Xander who nodded subtly in confirmation.

It had never occurred to her that he would get her something from his best friend’s brand since Asher’s family owned a couture brand as one of their many businesses.

Aurora felt Rachel’s keen gaze lingering on her and felt a little tense. Finally, Rachel smiled, a subtle, approving gesture. “You certainly know how to make an entrance, Miss Swift and your branding is impeccable. I’d love to discuss a feature for your champagne brand in our next issue.”

Aurora felt her heart skip a beat. “I’d be honoured,” she managed, trying to remain composed as they exchanged business cards.

“I will contact you soon,” Rachel said to her and immediately, Aurora felt her determination to bring record-breaking sales for her champagne, soar.

She was going to do everything she could to make sure she won this challenge against Olivia.

From the corner of her eyes, Aurora caught the proud smile on Xander’s lips and felt grateful to him for what his connection pulled off for her.

Meanwhile, Stella watched Aurora interacting with so many dignitaries and felt her intestines twist. She almost lost her mind when she saw Xander in the room. According to Owen, he didn’t like her daughter’s kind of events, but he could honour Aurora’s invitation.

Having had enough of the confident smile on Aurora’s face plus the connection she was making. She excused herself and went to the bathroom, her expression calculating.

Stella locked the door to the women’s restroom behind her, pulling out her phone with deliberate precision. Her expression hardened as she dialled a number.

“Is everything in place?” she hissed into the phone, glancing toward the bathroom door.

The voice on the other end was low and gruff. “There’s too much security. I can’t get close enough without raising suspicion.”

“I didn’t ask you to kill anyone so what’s so difficult in getting the work done?” Stella’s voice was sharp as she continued, “I only want this party dissolved. Turn on the fire alarm or something. Be creative!”

The man responded, “I can set off the fire alarms in ten minutes. That should cause enough chaos.”

“Good,” Stella said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. “Make sure it happens exactly as planned.”

She ended the call and smoothed her dress, her wicked smile growing as she envisioned the chaos about to unfold. Exiting the restroom, she casually made her way back to her seat beside Olivia, who was already waiting with a knowing smirk.

“Watch,” Stella whispered to her, her voice filled with venomous glee. “Aurora’s perfect little launch is about to come crashing down.”

Olivia’s eyes lit up. “I can’t wait,” she whispered back, her gaze narrowing as she found Aurora with a brilliant smile on her lips.

A few minutes later, it was time to take the stage so Aurora excused herself from the guests she was speaking to before stepping into the spotlight.

The lights dimmed slightly as she made her way up the stairs, the soft hum of anticipation growing as guests began to turn toward the stage. Aurora’s heart raced but in the best way possible.

The MC handed her the microphone with a gracious smile, and Aurora took it with a nod of thanks. She stood tall, radiating confidence as she prepared to speak.

“Good evening, everyone,” she began, her voice clear and warm, “and thank you all for coming to celebrate the launch of Fruit Punch Champagne with me. Tonight—”

Suddenly, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into total darkness.

A murmur of confusion spread through the crowd, quickly escalating into full-blown panic as the fire alarm blared to life, its shrill ringing cutting through the air. Red emergency lights flashed from the corners of the room, bathing the elegant scene in an ominous glow.

Aurora’s heart leapt into her throat as chaos erupted. Guests scrambled from their seats, some shouting in alarm, while others hurried toward the exits, jostling in their haste to escape the potential danger.