Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161

Ignoring her question, he cut to the chase. “State your business.”

1. 1. Vera reined in her temper and placed the insulated bag she was carrying onto the dining table.

“It’s your favorite food. I drove all the way across town to the south side to get it.” As she spoke, she began unpacking the containers.

Gavin had been about to say something else, but his gaze caught on the containers of herb–roasted chicken and creamy mac and cheese. A slight, almost imperceptible eyebrow raise was the only hint of his shift in mood.

“Alright. It’s getting late. You should head out.”

A dismissal. Already.

Vera’s shoulders slumped, her earlier energy deflating like a balloon. “I brought this all the way here for you.”

His voice was frigid, devoid of any warmth. “And that’s the only reason I’m letting you walk out on your own.”

“Gavin,” Vera’s frown deepened, frustration bubbling up. “What did I do wrong? Our families have an understanding. Do you have to be so

cold?”

The betrothal had been arranged years ago by the old Mrs. Windsor herself. Vera had been overjoyed, but Gavin had never acknowledged it.

His only concession was allowing her to work at Windsor Corporation–and even the position as his secretary was something she’d had to lobby the old lady for.

Initially, he’d refused that, too. She never found out what deal he’d struck with his grandmother to finally relent.

And to his credit, Gavin had always kept himself above reproach. There were never any other women fluttering around him. She was the only one of the opposite sex ever near him.

But it had been three years since she’d joined the company, and his demeanor toward her remained as distant as ever. So distant that she sometimes wondered if his preferences lay elsewhere. Or if he was just… frigid.

Gavin pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over the screen as he gave her a cold, level stare.

“Are you sure you want to keep wasting time?”

“…” She’d seen the bodyguards stationed downstairs when she came up. If he made that call, her exit would be humiliating. She drew a sharp

breath. “Fine. I’m going.”

It’s alright, she told herself, straightening her spine. I have plenty of time.

As long as no other woman ever appeared by his side, she would hold onto the belief that persistence could wear down even stone.

Elara’s POV

Chloe, drowsy from her medicine, retreated to her bedroom to sleep.

The living room felt hollow and still. I grabbed my tablet, intending to lose myself in some mindless reality TV in bed.

The moment I stood up, my phone screen lit up with a new text.

G: [Come over. Eat.]

10:58

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

59.5

Chapter 161

In the past, I’d saved his number under ‘G‘—short for the ‘G‘ in Gavin, but also a lingering, unspoken nod to something else. It had stayed that way when he came off my blocked list.

I checked the time. Vera had only been in there five ruimtes.

What was I supposed to be over there for?

The world’s most awkward third wheel?

I typed back: (Already ate.]

A lie. With Chloe sick and needing bland food, I’d picked at a practically salt–free chicken noodle soup. It barely counted as a meal.

He replied seconds later. [Should I come escort you?]

Even through text, his tone was clear. Icy and leaving zero room for negotiation.

Worried he’d actually show up at my door, I dropped my tablet, snatched my phone, and hurried across the hall.

I was standing outside his door, finger hovering near the bell, when another message buzzed through.

[521079. Let yourself in.]

His entry code.

I stiffened.

My mind, against my will, supplied the image of Vera typing in this same number.

How many others had he given it to?

Pushing the thought down, I keyed in the digits, stepped inside, and swapped into my designated slippers.

The dining table was set with food I genuinely loved. Especially the herb–roasted chicken and creamy mac and cheese.

Gavin walked out of the kitchen dressed in dark, comfortable loungewear. His hands, long and capable, held two glasses of iced tea. He set one

down in front of me.

I pressed my lips together. “Thanks.”

Then I unwrapped my utensils and started eating in silence.

Gavin watched me for a long moment, his expression cool and analytical. A faint, humorless smirk touched his lips. “Is having a meal here such

a terrible ordeal?”

“No,” I denied, shaking my head a little too quickly. I helped myself to another forkful of the mac and cheese. Without realizing it, I’d almost finished the portion of roasted chicken.

His gaze was direct, pinning me. “I thought you said you’d eaten.”

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