Trapped in a Secret Marriage with a Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 86

Chapter 86: Playing Stella’s Game

In the quiet that settled after the last of the police cars and the ambulance departed, the Swift family remained frozen in their grief. Stella sat crumpled on the couch, rocking back and forth as she clutched her face, her wails filling the air.

“Adam… no… Adam!” she cried, her voice hoarse with desperation. She seemed oblivious to her surroundings, her eyes glazed with disbelief.

Meanwhile, Aurora leaned heavily on Xander’s shoulder, her face buried in the fabric of his suit, her tears flowing nonstop. Xander gently rubbed her back in soothing circles, his own expression clouded with concern as he held her close.

After a while, he lowered his voice and asked softly, “Will you come home with me tonight?”

Aurora shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper, “It feels so wrong to leave… not after my dad just…” Her words trailed off as a fresh wave of grief overtook her. Xander nodded in understanding and continued to comfort her, feeling a sudden urge to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Just then, Asher entered the room and walked over to them, placing a hand on Aurora’s shoulder. “Aurora, I’m so sorry for your loss,” he said quietly, his gaze sympathetic. “I know there’s nothing I can say to ease this, but we are here for you.”

Aurora managed a small nod of gratitude, her lips trembling as she whispered, “Thank you, Asher.” She clutched Xander’s hand a little tighter, seeking the strength to get through each trying moment.

Xander leaned closer to Asher and whispered, “Call Abigail and let her know what’s happened. Ask if she can come here to be with Aurora tonight.”

Asher nodded, stepping outside to make the call. The phone rang a few times before Abigail’s voice came through, indifferent but slightly groggy.

“You have been calling me a lot lately. How can I help you today, Mr. Moore?” she asked, releasing a soft sigh.

Taking a deep breath, Asher replied gently, “Good evening, Miss Miller. Aurora’s father just passed away.”

There was silence on the other end, and then Abigail’s voice broke through, tinged with shock. “What?” She immediately jumped out of bed. “What on earth are you talking about? But didn’t Olivia have her wedding today?”

Asher sighed, his own voice laced with disbelief. “He was… murdered. It happened right after the wedding party.”

There was a gasp, and then Abigail’s voice became tense. “Aurora… how is she? How is she holding up?”

“She’s here, but…” Asher paused, glancing back at Aurora and Xander through the doorway. “She’s trying to stay strong, but she needs you here tonight if you can make it. It wouldn’t be appropriate for Xander to stay, given the circumstances surrounding their marriage.”

“I’m already on my way,” Abigail replied briskly, the determination clear in her tone. Asher murmured his thanks before ending the call. Although he didn’t give her the full details of the tragic incident, he thought that she would find out when she came over.

—

Back in the sitting room, Stella’s dishevelled figure remained seated, her cries filling the silence. Her makeup was smudged, strands of hair falling out of her updo, adding to her unkempt appearance. She barely glanced up as Owen entered the room.

Seeing him, her voice wavered as she asked, “Owen… how’s Olivia?”

Owen ran a hand through his hair, looking as exhausted as everyone else. “She still hasn’t regained consciousness,” he replied quietly. “The doctor is on his way to check on her.” Only after hearing this did Stella’s gaze drop, her hands clenching in her lap as she took a shuddering breath.

Moments later, hurried footsteps approached, and Abigail burst into the room, her face tight with worry. Spotting Aurora, she crossed the room in a flash, and sank next to her on the sofa.

Aurora pulled away from Xander’s embrace just as Abigail wrapped her arms around her, gently shushing her as her cries grew louder.

“Oh, Aurora… I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry,” Abigail murmured, rocking her softly. Aurora clung to her, finding comfort in her familiar scented embrace.

As Aurora’s sobs gradually quieted, Abigail looked up, her gaze meeting Stephanie’s and then Stella’s, her expression masked with sympathy. She offered her condolences to the family, her voice laced with sincerity. Both women nodded gratefully, though neither was in the mood for it.

Shortly after, Xander rose to his feet, his hand resting gently on Aurora’s shoulder as he looked at her, his expression tender. “I should go,” he said, his voice soft. Turning to Stephanie, he added, “I’m sorry for your loss once again.”

Stephanie rose, nodding in gratitude. “Thank you, Mr. Scott, for everything.” She extended her hand, and Xander clasped it firmly before giving Aurora’s shoulder a final comforting squeeze.

Owen, watching Xander prepare to leave, stepped over to Stella and Stephanie, saying, “I’ll leave as well. With everything that’s happened, it wouldn’t be right for me to stay tonight.”

Stella managed a nod, though her tear-streaked face remained tense and distant. Owen offered a final word of condolence, then quickly followed Xander out of the room.

—

Outside, Xander and Owen exchanged a quiet nod before parting ways. Each climbed into their respective cars, their expressions heavy with the weight of the night’s events.

Once they were on the road, Asher turned to Xander in the back seat, his expression serious. “I got some intel from Victor’s interrogation. Seems Stella’s been hunting for the man behind Aurora all along,” he said and proceeded to give him all the details.

Xander’s jaw tightened, a calculating look crossing his face. “So, she wants to know who’s looking out for Aurora…” He narrowed his gaze thoughtfully. “Good. Let’s give Victor my name.”

Asher raised a brow, surprised. “And what exactly do you intend to accomplish by doing that?”

A glint of cold determination flickered in Xander’s eyes. “Now that I know her game, I’ll play along. I want to see just how far she’s willing to go with this information. Let her believe she’s getting what she wants.”

After a beat, Asher’s expression grew more thoughtful, his tone dropping. “Do you think Stella had a hand in what happened tonight?”

Xander’s gaze grew dark immediately, his voice hardening. “I wouldn’t put it past her. Although…” He paused, his jaw clenching. “I doubt she wanted her husband dead. But if Aurora was the target, then her involvement can’t be ruled out.”