Marry Ex's Billionaire Uncle After Divorce (Aurora and Jasper) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 47: The Invitation

(Author’s POV)

Claim

Victoria swept into the house, her face glowing with a triumph she hadn’t felt in years. She tossed her limited–edition handbag onto the sofa and looked at her son with sparkling eyes.

“Success?” Jasper asked, standing up from the armchair.

“Better than success,” Victoria beamed, unbuttoning her coat. “Eleanor was actually pleasant. She didn’t just accept the gift; she invited me back next week for private tea. Just the two of

us.”

Jasper let out a long, heavy breath. The tension that had knotted his shoulders for days finally dissolved.

“That’s the signal,” Jasper said, a rare smile touching his lips. “It means the main branch is finally softening their stance toward us.”

“I knew it would work,” Victoria said, pouring herself a glass of water. “But you must be careful, Mother. When you go back, keep the conversation light. Don’t press for business favors yet. We need to show elegance and patience.”

“I know how to play the game, Jasper,” Victoria scoffed lightly, taking a sip. “Honestly, we owe this entire breakthrough to Sienna. Her advice on how to approach Eleanor was surgical. Without her coaching, I would have been turned away at the gate.”

Victoria set the glass down, her expression turning thoughtful. “Since everything is going so smoothly, why don’t you take Rosalind to the theme park this weekend? And invite Sienna. It’s time to solidify things between you two.”

Rosalind was sitting on the Persian rug, watching *Frozen* on the massive television. Hearing the words “theme park,” she scrambled up, abandoning the cartoon.

“Disneyland?” she squealed, spinning around in a circle. “Are we going to see the castle?”

“Yes, darling,” Jasper smiled, walking over to pat her head. “Daddy will take you.”

Rosalind ran to Victoria and hugged her legs, looking up with large, calculating eyes. She knew exactly what her grandmother wanted to hear.

“It’s going to be so much better than before,” Rosalind said, jutting out her lower lip in a practiced pout. “When *she* took me, it was so boring. She never let me eat candy and made me wear ugly hats. I hate going with that woman. I want Daddy and Auntie Sienna.”

Chapter 47: The Invitation

She refused to even speak Aurora’s name.

Claim

Jasper looked at his daughter’s happy face and nodded. “Alright. I’ll call Sienna right now.”

He walked upstairs and dialed the number.

Sienna watched her phone vibrate on her vanity table. She filed her nails, letting it ring four times to ensure she didn’t seem desperate.

“Jasper?” she answered finally, her voice cool and airy.

“Sienna,” Jasper said, his tone softening intimately. “Are you free this weekend? I want to take Rosalind to the park. We want you there.”

He paused, then lowered his voice to a husky whisper. “I missed you.”

Sienna felt a flush of heat rise to her cheeks. She checked her reflection in the mirror, smoothing her hair. “I suppose I can clear my schedule for you.”

“That makes me very happy.”

“How did it go with your mother?” Sienna asked sharply, cutting to the chase.

“Perfectly,” Jasper replied. “She’s invited back for tea. She can’t stop praising you.”

Sienna smirked. “Good. But don’t get comfortable. Matriarch Eleanor’s birthday banquet is coming up. Victoria needs to secure a formal invitation to that event. That is your ticket back into the inner circle.”

“I know,” Jasper said. “Actually, after the park, could you help me pick out a gift for Eleanor? I don’t trust my own taste with these things.”

“Of course,” Sienna said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. “I’d be happy to help you choose something appropriate.”

She hung up, feeling a surge of superiority. A man like Jasper naturally belonged with someone who understood his world, not that dull, impoverished Aurora.

***

(Author’s POV)

Phineas sat in his car for ten minutes outside the apartment building, watching the clock. He had finished his work an hour ago but delayed his return to time his entry perfectly. He wanted the lights to be on.

When he opened the door, the savory aroma of roasted rosemary chicken filled the air. It was

Chapter 47: The Invitation

a stark contrast to the sterile scent of his office.

Aurora stood at the kitchen island, tying the strings of her apron. She turned, holding a wooden spoon like a weapon.

Claim

“Welcome back,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t expect Michelin stars. But it’s actual food. If you hate it, there’s always Uber Eats, though I doubt they deliver this fast.”

Phineas loosened his tie, hiding a smile. “I’ll take my chances.”

He went to the master bedroom. Ten minutes later, he emerged. The stiff, armor–like suit was gone. He wore a set of dark blue silk loungewear, the fabric flowing over his broad frame. The top button was undone, revealing the hard line of his chest and collarbone. His hair was slightly damp, smelling of sandalwood soap.

Aurora looked him up and down, her gaze lingering on his open collar for a second too long.

“Nice look,” she teased, turning back to the stove. “I didn’t know dinner included a fashion show.”

She plated the food and picked up her dish, intending to head to her room.

“Stay,” Phineas said, leaning against the marble island. He gestured to the empty stool across from him with a bottle of Pinot Noir. “Eating alone is tragic. Keep me company? Unless you’re afraid I’ll charge you a corkage fee.”

Aurora rolled her eyes but set her plate down. “If the boss is pouring the wine, I won’t say no.”

They ate under the warm glow of the pendant lights. The chicken was tender, the wine smooth.

“Not bad,” Phineas said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Actually, very good. You have hidden talents, Dr. Su.”

“Survival skills,” Aurora corrected. “When you grow up like I did, you learn to make a lot out of

a little.”

Phineas stood up and began collecting the plates.

“I’ll get those,” Aurora said, reaching out.

“Sit,” Phineas commanded gently. “Division of labor. You cook, I clean. It’s only fair.”

Aurora shrugged and leaned back, swirling the last of her wine. “Deal.”

Phineas loaded the dishwasher with practiced efficiency. Over the sound of running water, he spoke casually.

< Chapter 47: The Invitation

“Aurora, are you busy this weekend?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify