Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 74

Chapter 74: A Complicated Situation

Olivia’s heart skipped a bit, her face almost revealing the truth. She was so shocked by Aurora’s statement that she nearly forgot how to react.

Soon, Stella recovered, especially after seeing that Olivia’s facial expression was about to betray them. But it was a good thing that Aurora had her back turned to her otherwise, she would have quickly caught on.

“And what makes you so certain,” Stella began, her voice laced with a cool edge, “that my daughter and I know anything about your biological father?”

Aurora crossed her arms, her gaze piercing. “Simple. You two knew that Adam wasn’t my biological father and kept it from me, using it to justify your treatment of me. If you knew that much, I have no doubt you also know who my real father is.”

Stella raised her hand, effectively silencing her. “Enough with these accusations, Aurora. Your mother and Adam were secretive back then, and I happened upon the information by accident. I didn’t know who your father was beyond that—why else would you still be here? If I knew where you belonged, I would have sent you there long ago.”

Aurora crossed her arms, studying Stella’s face as she weighed her words. “Really?”

“Believe what you want, but do you honestly think if I knew your father’s identity, I wouldn’t have sent you to him myself?” Stella’s confidence radiated through her voice, and Olivia, sensing her mother’s control, seemed to regain her own composure.

“Do you really believe,” Olivia interjected, her voice sharp, “that Mother and I enjoy your presence in this house? Fighting over Dad’s inheritance isn’t exactly my idea of fun. If we’d known who your father was, we’d have had you out of here long ago. Don’t imagine we had a choice.”

Aurora turned slowly, her gaze bearing down on Olivia, probing for any hint of deception. Olivia’s glare met hers, though she faltered ever so slightly under the scrutiny. Stella, recognizing the threat of Aurora picking up on Olivia’s discomfort, stepped in.

“If you want answers about your biological father, go straight to your father and leave us out of it,” Stella said curtly. “Frankly, I’d be relieved to see you gone from this family once and for all.”

Aurora’s jaw tightened as she unfolded her arms, standing taller. “This is where I belong. Dad married my mother and gave me his name, which makes me as much a Swift as any of you. Don’t ever tell me I don’t belong here.”

Stella’s face tightened in irritation, clearly not expecting such a challenge. “And who told you that makes you an actual Swift? Won’t you want to return to your ‘real’ father once you know who he is?”

Aurora scoffed. “Did I ever say that?” she retorted with a fierce gaze.

“Then what are your plans?” Stella inquired, with genuine concern in her tone as Olivia lifted a questioning brow. They both wanted to know what Aurora’s plans were concerning her biological father’s identity as it would determine the next step in their plans.

Aurora’s plans might affect their plans, so they tried to sound her out. Unfortunately, they failed.

“You don’t have to know my plans,” Aurora sneered. “You only need to know that I am Dad’s daughter and a child of the Swift family. Nothing about my identity will change with a biological father in the picture, so you and your daughter can stop plotting to send me away.”

After insinuating each word for the mother and daughter pair to understand, Aurora gave them one last look before walking away. As soon as the door shut with a thud, Stella found herself a seat across Olivia.

“Mum, what do you think Aurora plans to do?” Olivia questioned with slightly furrowed brows. “From everything she said just now, she came to find out about her biological father’s identity. But what is this that she’s saying about remaining Dad’s daughter even if she learns the truth?”

Stella clasped her fingers together, clearly disturbed. “Don’t listen to her statement. She spoke that way because she didn’t know the kind of person her biological father was. Wait until she learns the truth, then she will see how much better he is than your father.”

“But what if she wants to rip from both her biological father and then my Dad?” Olivia asked, her brows constricted in a deep frown. “That girl can be greedy enough to want to benefit from both sides.”

Stella sighed and thought for a moment before speaking, “That is not important. What is important is that your sister doesn’t find out the truth.” Standing to her feet, she continued, “I think that she must have spoken to your father and come to some kind of conclusion before attending your wedding.”

“Mum, you are right.” Olivia agreed solemnly. “Aurora would never come to my wedding, especially after the fight with Dad. Dad might have agreed to tell her the truth, therefore, the reason she is here.”

Instantly, Stella’s gaze darkened. “I won’t let this happen. I’m going to stop her.” With that, she left the room and hurried down the hallway, asking the servants where Adam was while praying in her heart that she get to him on time before he spills the secret to Aurora.

Meanwhile, Aurora wandered down the corridor, finally spotting Adam in a private sitting area with a few guests. After greeting him and his guests politely, she gave a small nod, indicating her wish to speak with him alone.

When they stepped aside, Adam’s face softened. “I’m glad you came, my daughter. It means a lot to me to see you here.”

Aurora’s face remained serious. “I didn’t come to chat, Dad. I came because you promised to tell me everything today.”

Adam sighed. “Aurora, this is neither the time nor the place. Things are more complicated than you realize. After the wedding, come to my study, and we’ll discuss everything.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Complicated how?”

Hidden behind a nearby pillar, Stella strained to listen, her heart pounding.

Adam’s voice dropped, his expression grave. “Your birth father is dangerous. There’s more to him than anyone could imagine. I want you to be prepared for what you’ll learn. I brought you here to fulfil my promise, and I intend to tell you everything.”

Aurora’s gaze didn’t waver. “Then just tell me his name now, and you can explain the rest later.”

Nearby, Stella’s knuckles turned white as she gripped the pillar, fighting back a surge of panic.