Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 142

“Colton and Sylvia truly set the bar for what a perfect couple looks like,” I joked lightly, laughing as I rinsed my hands at the sink, eager to assist Sylvia in the kitchen. Cooking was never my strong suit, but I prided myself on being a capable sous chef—always ready to hand over the exact spice or sauce she needed without hesitation.

The air around us was cozy and relaxed, filled with the kind of simple, peaceful domesticity I’d longed for throughout my childhood but had rarely experienced. Being in their home always seemed to fill a quiet, tender corner of my heart I hadn’t even realized was empty.

As we gathered around the dining table, Elias uncorked a bottle of red wine he had thoughtfully brought along. Each of us poured ourselves a glass, savoring the rich aroma. After we finished eating, Colton pulled out a chessboard from the side cabinet and immediately challenged Elias to a match.

The wine’s warmth hit me harder than the others, and I found myself sinking into the back of the sofa, feeling pleasantly drowsy as I watched the two men strategize. Sylvia noticed and soon appeared with a steaming cup of tea. “Here, drink this, dear,” she said softly. “Colton insisted it would help clear your head.”

“Thanks, Sylvia,” I murmured, my movements slow and a little unsteady as I accepted the cup. My mind felt heavy, swimming gently in a haze.

Reading the tiredness in my eyes, Sylvia asked gently, “Why don’t you spend New Year’s with us, Elara? It would be nice to have you here.”

I understood the concern behind her question. Since my divorce from Zane, they probably imagined me alone, isolated during the holidays.

I offered her a faint smile. “I think I’ll pass this time. I really want to use the break to rest and rethink my research approach.” The current formula was decent, but the side effects weren’t quite where I wanted them to be. I was convinced the effectiveness could be pushed even further.

Sylvia’s worry lingered in her expression. “You wouldn’t have to do much at our place. You could still work if you wanted…”

“That’s enough,” Colton interrupted with a knowing look, clearly familiar with my stubborn streak. He glanced at Sylvia. “You know how she is. Don’t push her. It’s better if we just cook her some proper meals she can reheat during the holidays.”

“Colton…” I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck as I touched my nose sheepishly.

Sylvia smiled, giving me a mock-serious glance. “Alright, is that acceptable then? A compromise?”

“Absolutely,” I replied, no longer resisting. I linked my arm through hers and rested my head gently against her shoulder. “Thank you, Sylvia.”

The warmth of the home, the comfort of the food, and the softness of the wine all melded together as I leaned there, my eyelids growing heavier until I finally drifted off to sleep.

Sylvia caught the moment and smiled quietly, exchanging a glance with Colton to signal them to stay silent.

Colton chuckled softly. “She’s been burning the candle at both ends on that project, and now with the wine… you could set off fireworks in here, and she wouldn’t even stir. No need to worry.”

“It’s true,” Elias agreed, moving a chess piece on the board. “Ella’s tolerance is legendary—especially considering how low it usually is. Just let her sleep it off on the couch.”

Colton shot a playful glare at Elias. “Are you going easy on me again? Don’t you have any respect for my chess skills?”

The gentle, heavy sleep that comes with slight intoxication pulled me deeper under. When I finally awoke, I was disoriented, blinking against the soft amber glow of the room. The sunset cast long, stretching shadows through the windows, and the living room felt strangely empty.

I rubbed my eyes and sat up groggily, only then realizing I wasn’t alone.

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