Marry Ex's Billionaire Uncle After Divorce (Aurora and Jasper) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 50: The Divorce Summons–2

“Alfred?”

The butler appeared in the doorway.

“Yes, Mrs. Everett?”

“Whose medication is this?”

Alfred hesitated.

“Mr. Everett’s, ma’am. He’s been experiencing stomach discomfort since the night before last.”

Aurora’s heart sank. The night before last. That was when she’d made him that spicy arrabbiata pasta.

Oh God.

She’d poisoned her own husband.

She found Phineas in the dining room, eating breakfast with the kind of slow, deliberate movements that suggested pain. A bowl of plain oatmeal sat in front of him. No coffee. No fruit. Just bland, safe food.

Aurora slid into the chair across from him.

“Your stomach. It’s from the pasta I made you, isn’t it?”

Phineas looked up, his grey eyes unreadable.

“What makes you think that?”

“Don’t lie to me. I saw the antacids. Alfred told me when it started. I made you eat that ridiculously spicy dish, and now you’re in pain.”

Guilt twisted through her.

“I’m so sorry. I should have asked if you had any dietary restrictions. I just assumed-”

“It wasn’t the pasta.”

“Phineas-”

“I had whiskey that night. After I got home. Too much of it, on an empty stomach.” He took another careful spoonful of oatmeal. “The acid reflux is my own fault.”

Aurora studied his face. He looked completely sincere. But something about the timing felt too convenient.

“You’re sure?”

“Positive.”

Relief flooded through her, followed immediately by annoyance.

“Then you’re an idiot.”

Phineas raised an eyebrow.

“Excuse me?”

Aurora stood up, hands on her hips.

“Drinking hard liquor on an empty stomach? What are you, a college freshman? You’re a grown man with stomach issues. You should know better.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Phineas’s mouth.

“Are you scolding me, Mrs. Everett?”

“Yes, I am. From now on, you follow your doctor’s orders. No alcohol without food. No skipping meals. And if your stomach acts up again, you tell me immediately instead of suffering in silence like some kind of martyr.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The amusement in his eyes made her flush.

“I’m serious.”

“I can see that.” Phineas set down his spoon. “It’s rather endearing, actually. Being managed by my wife.”

“Someone has to manage you. You clearly can’t be trusted to take care of yourself.”

“Then I’m fortunate to have married such an attentive caretaker.”

Aurora’s cheeks burned. She turned away quickly, but not before she caught the warmth in his expression.

This man was dangerous. Not in the cold, ruthless way the business world feared. But in the way he looked at her. Like she mattered. Like her concern meant something.

It was terrifying.

(Author’s POV)

Victoria swept into Jasper’s study, her face alight with triumph.

“I have excellent news.”

Jasper looked up from his laptop.

“What is it?”

“The gift I sent to Eleanor Everett. The rare herbal supplements for sleep. They worked beautifully. She was so pleased, she personally sent me an invitation to the charity gala at the Everett estate this weekend.”

Jasper straightened.

“The main family estate?”

“Yes. This is our chance, Jasper. Phineas will be there. You need to make a good impression. Show him you’re capable, responsible. Remind him why the Los Angeles branch deserves his support.”

“I understand.”

Victoria’s expression hardened.

“No mistakes. No drama. We bring Rosalind with us. Show them we’re a stable, loving family.”

“Rosalind’s still recovering-”

“She’s fine. The doctor cleared her this morning. And having her there will help. Eleanor adores children.”

Jasper nodded slowly. His mother was right. This gala was important. A chance to rebuild his standing with the family patriarch.

“I’ll make sure we’re ready.”

Victoria smiled.

“Good. I’ve already informed Sienna. She’s helping Rosalind pick out a dress.”

(Author’s POV)

Sienna knelt in front of Rosalind, adjusting the bow on her pale pink dress.

“There. You look like a little princess.”

Chapter 50: The Divorce Summons–2

Rosalind twirled, the skirt flaring out.

“Do you think Grandma Eleanor will like me?”

“She’ll love you.” Sienna smoothed down a stray curl. “Just remember to be polite. Say please and thank you. And if anyone asks about your mother-”

“I know. I say Mommy Aurora is busy with work and couldn’t come.”

“Good girl.”

Sienna stood, examining her own reflection in the mirror. Champagne–colored silk, tasteful jewelry, hair in an elegant updo. The picture of refined sophistication.

The perfect stepmother.

She pushed away the memory of the ER doctor’s scathing look. The nurses‘ whispers. *She’s not the real mother. The real mother would have known.*

That didn’t matter. Aurora was gone. Sienna was here. And tonight, she would prove to the Everett family that she belonged.

(Author’s POV)

The black sedan pulled up to the front entrance. Jasper checked his watch.

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