Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 186

**TITLE: Pushing the Edge**

Amelia’s fingers glided delicately over the rim of the jade-green teacup, the cool porcelain contrasting sharply with the warmth of her calculating gaze. A flicker of something sharp and determined danced in her eyes as she leaned forward slightly, her voice smooth yet laden with intent. “I’m here to help you.”

Margaret, ever the picture of composure, regarded her with an unwavering stare, her expression inscrutable. After a moment that stretched like an eternity, she replied, “Then by all means, let’s see how you intend to accomplish that.”

Amelia seized the opportunity, her tone shifting to one of urgency. “You do realize that Elara is involved in that cancer drug research project for Windsor Group, don’t you?”

Margaret’s face remained a mask of indifference, but Amelia pressed on, sensing the tension in the air. “Once that project reaches fruition, you will find it increasingly difficult to maintain control over her.”

The implications hung heavy between them. The lead researcher on such a pivotal project would wield influence far beyond anything Elara currently possessed. Even the Windsor family, with their vast resources and power, would think twice before attempting to undermine her then.

Margaret waved her hand dismissively, a gesture that spoke volumes. “She lacks the capability to see it through.”

Amelia could see the confidence radiating from Margaret, a woman who had watched Elara grow under her watchful eye. To Margaret, the girl was little more than a pawn, her only noteworthy trait being her academic prowess. Yet Amelia knew that brilliance alone did not guarantee success; among the thousands of graduates from prestigious institutions, only a rare few ever achieved greatness. Elara, systematically stifled since childhood, was destined for a life of mediocrity.

Margaret had likely placed her on the project out of nostalgia, a mere act of kindness to bolster the girl’s résumé. The notion that Elara could actually contribute anything of significance was laughable.

Amelia, while skeptical of Elara’s chances, countered, “But what if she does succeed? With my assistance, I can ensure she doesn’t. And even if the project progresses, the credit will not go to her.”

A glimmer of intrigue flickered in Margaret’s eyes, though she maintained her calm demeanor. “Oh? And how do you propose to achieve that?”

A sly smile crept across Amelia’s lips, a mixture of mischief and determination. “I’ll require a bit of… assistance from you.”

Once their conversation had concluded and the butler escorted Amelia out, he returned to the study, his brow furrowed with concern. “Madam, why take such a risk? Why entertain her proposal? Why not simply… eliminate the issue once and for all?”

The truth behind Elara’s adoption, a secret buried deep within the Windsor family, was known to no one but Margaret herself. Now, it seemed an outsider had stumbled upon that hidden truth.

And this outsider was clearly up to no good.

Margaret narrowed her eyes slightly, a slow, deliberate smile curling her lips. “What is there to fear? She wouldn’t dare utter a word about this, even if given a hundred chances. Since she’s offering to make Elara’s life a living hell, why not let her? It saves us the trouble.”

“I’m just worried—” the butler began, but he fell silent beneath Margaret’s piercing gaze.

Her demeanor was shifting, becoming less and less receptive to the counsel of others.

—

**Elara’s POV**

That evening, after an enjoyable dinner at a private restaurant, Chloe and I made our way home together, the night air buzzing with unspoken thoughts.

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