Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: An Open Confrontation

Xander’s gaze hardened as he watched Stella fawn over the Major from across the room. “We will need answers when we meet him ourselves.”

Asher huffed, folding his arms. “That woman is bad news, and anyone close to her can’t be any different.” He shot Xander a knowing look. “Let me handle the questioning.”

Meanwhile, two tables over, Adam’s eyes followed Stella’s movements, noting the Major’s arrival and the warmth in Stella’s greeting. His face darkened. Stephanie noticed his shift and glanced in the same direction just in time to see Stella and the Major walking over.

“Adam, about what we discussed in—” Stephanie began, but Adam silenced her with a stern look. “Whatever we talked about in my study stays there.”

Stephanie met his gaze, offering a slow nod. “Understood. We will continue the conversation later.”

Adam didn’t respond, his eyes never leaving Stella as she led the Major closer. He rose to his feet with Stephanie, donning a polite smile as Stella and the Major finally reached them.

“Thank you for coming to my daughter’s wedding, Major,” Adam greeted him, extending his right hand.

“No need for the formalities,” the Major replied, shaking his hand firmly.

Stephanie stepped forward with a polite smile, thanking him for his presence as they shook her hands. Then her gaze darted between him and Stella as she remarked, “I had no idea that someone of your rank was personally acquainted with the Swift family. It’s really an honour.”

The Major’s gaze held Adam’s for a beat longer than necessary before he replied, “Stella did me a great favour a few years back. I’m here out of gratitude.”

Adam’s gaze flickered to Stella, who kept her expression carefully neutral, offering nothing. “Strange,” he said lightly, “My wife never mentioned it.”

Stella quickly interjected, her tone nonchalant. “I didn’t think it was important enough to mention.” Her smile remained fixed as she subtly directed the conversation elsewhere, cutting off any further questions from Adam before he would drag the situation out of hand with that temper of his.

Stella gestured for the Major to take a seat with them, but he politely declined. “I’ll join some acquaintances at the Scott family’s table for a bit,” he said. “Just to say hello before I leave.”

Stella’s smile widened. “That’s fine. I’ll make sure my daughter comes to greet you. She’ll be thrilled.” Though clearly disappointed, she nodded and watched him cross the room.

The moment he was out of sight, Adam gripped Stella’s wrist tightly and hissed through clenched teeth, “Come with me.” He led her away without another word.

As the Major approached Xander and Asher’s table, both men rose to their feet. They shook his hand instead of saluting, given the public setting. Xander’s older brother, Richard, and his wife exchanged polite pleasantries with the Major before excusing themselves, leaving him alone with Xander and Asher.

Asher poured a fresh glass of champagne and offered it, but the Major didn’t touch it, merely letting it sit in front of him. “Sir,” Asher began, his tone casual yet probing, “We didn’t know you were on such good terms with Stella Swift.”

The Major’s expression remained unreadable. “She once saved my son Leo’s life after a car accident a few years back,” he replied, recognizing their curiosity.

Almost immediately, Xander and Asher exchanged subtle glances.

At that same moment, Aurora who had personally gone to the dessert table to grab herself two blueberry muffins and a pint of yoghurt, was surprised to see the Major at Xander’s table when she came over. She nodded politely at him, and he reciprocated with a nod.

“I brought you both some blueberry muffins,” she said, setting the plate down, trying to appear casual and hide the awkwardness. “They’re not too sweet, so you’ll probably like them.”

Xander squinted at her slightly, though Asher accepted a muffin with a grin, thanking her. Xander had been about to pull out the chair beside him for her, but seeing her stand back—a subtle indication she planned to return to her table—he decided against it.

He could already understand that she wouldn’t sit with them with the Major at their table.

Aurora turned to the Major. “Would you like something to eat?”

The Major’s stoic aura softened momentarily. “No, thank you. I won’t be staying much longer.”

Aurora nodded. “All right, then,” she replied, glancing at Xander and Asher one last time before heading back to her table. Spotting her father and stepmother’s absence, she turned to Stephanie. “Where did they go?”

“They stepped away for a private discussion,” Stephanie replied, swirling her glass thoughtfully. “But I couldn’t help noticing you’re acquainted with Owen’s uncle.”

Aurora glanced back at Xander’s table before looking back at Stephanie. “Yes,” she admitted. “He saved me from a bad situation at Olivia and Owen’s engagement party.”

“I see…” Stephanie mumbled, her gaze thoughtful as she took another sip.

—

Meanwhile, Adam led Stella down a hallway, his grip on her wrist tense until they were out of sight. Only then did he let go.

“Why invite Major Walker to our daughter’s wedding without telling me?” Adam demanded, his eyes hard.

Stella arched a brow, unfazed. “I wasn’t aware I needed permission to invite guests to my own daughter’s wedding.” Internally, she savoured the tension in his gaze, knowing exactly why Major Walker’s presence unnerved him. Elevating her status through such a connection was a perk, but seeing Adam’s discomfort was the true reward.

Ignoring her defiance, Adam fired back, “And I suppose it slipped your mind to tell me about the ‘favour’ you did for him?”

Stella’s expression remained disarmingly innocent. “Adam, you’re already overburdened, keeping Vintage Cella successful and making sure your daughters have everything they need. I didn’t want to trouble you with trivial details.”

Adam’s eyes narrowed, suspicion clouding his features. He didn’t buy her explanation and knew she was hiding something. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, Stella, but our family shouldn’t have any ties to Major Walker.”

Stella lifted her chin defiantly, placing a hand on her hip. “And why is that? You seem overly concerned about this. Are you hiding something about the Major?”