Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

As representatives of Colton, Elias and I were seated close to the center.

The chill wind brushed my cheeks, slowly steadying my nerves. I accepted the pass from a staff member and focused on the host’s voice.

Once this was over, I could leave.

“I truly didn’t expect you to spare the time in your busy schedule. Had I known, I would have personally greeted you at the airport. My apologies for the oversight.”

The director’s obsequious voice carried. Not far off, he was escorting a man toward the center. “Right this way, please.”

“Is that the legendary Gavin? Since taking control of the Windsor family, he’s aggressively expanded into healthcare.

They say he now owns not only high–end private hospitals but also the world’s most cutting–edge research institutes. Everyone’s desperate to win his favor. No wonder the director is falling over himself.”

“I heard the director never actually expected someone of his status to accept the invitation when he sent it.”

Whispers floated around.

The knuckles of my hand holding the scissors tightened subconsciously, turning white.

Truth was, I didn’t even need to look to know it was him.

You know, I didn’t even need to look.

The rhythm of those footsteps was already etched into some part of me.

When he moved closer, a scent hit me–clean, sharp cedarwood, threaded through with a hint of lemongrass.

That smell… it dragged me back. Back to that snow–covered mountain road where I’d collapsed, to the stranger who’d picked me up and carried me to a nearby inn.

My breath caught.

No.

It couldn’t be him.

Absolutely no way.

I sucked in a sharp breath, forcing myself back to the present.

He strolled over unhurriedly and took his place beside me, responding to the director with an impassive expression. “You’re too kind.”

As he lifted his arm, his elbow brushed against mine, but he pretended not to notice, not even granting me a glance.

I instinctively shifted away. Elias, noticing my discomfort, leaned in and whispered, “You okay? Want to switch spots?”

“Absolutely.”

I agreed without hesitation.

People shuffled behind us, and Elias gently guided me by the shoulders, moving me to his other side, carefully shielding me from the crowd.

12:18

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

11 60%

Chapter 21

When the ceremony finally ended, a wave of relief washed over me.

The institute had arranged a luncheon, but I had no intention of staying. I quickly told Elias I wasn’t feeling well and made my escape.

Outside, it seemed impossible to hail a cab.

Beep-

A black stretched limousine pulled up beside me.

Gavin’s assistant, Neil, stepped out and respectfully opened the rear door. “Miss, it’s cold. Allow me to give you a ride back to your hotel.”

I glanced inside. Gavin was there too, seated in the back.

He had removed his overcoat, wearing only a black dress shirt, the top button undone. He looked slightly more relaxed than he had at the event, but only just.

Seeing my hesitation, Gavin’s thin lips quirked slightly. “Do I need to step out and personally invite you in?”

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