Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

I saw the shock register in her eyes, a slight tremor in her pupils. “You can’t be serious,” she breathed, disbelief coloring her words.

“How could I joke about something like that?” I finally looked up, letting her see the quiet resignation on my face. “Aside from divorce, I really don’t see any other way out.”

Victoria fell silent. I could see the anger simmering beneath her perfectly composed surface, but I knew it wasn’t directed at me,

It was for her son. And for Amelia.

One was a clueless idiot, the other a scheming woman who couldn’t let go of her own sister’s husband.

But we were past the point of no return. Even a mother–in–law as formidable as Victoria couldn’t, in good conscience, ask me to stay. How could she?

Her son had essentially wasted three years of my life. I’d carried the title of Mrs. Grayson without ever truly being one.

She took a steadying breath and patted my hand. “I saw in the divorce agreement you only asked for one property?”

“Yes,” I said, pressing my lips together lightly. “If that’s too much, I can do without it…”

My goal was clear: get the divorce. The twenty–six million from last time, plus my own savings, was more than enough.

To everyone else, it would look like I’d spent three years with an unfaithful husband and was leaving with nothing–the laughingstock of our circle.

But I knew the truth.

For me, these three years meant freedom, far from the stifling control of the Windsor family. Just not being punished or beaten made it all worth it.

“What kind of thinking is that?” Victoria cut in, her voice firm. “If this gets out, people will say the Grayson family mistreats their daughters–in–law. Here’s what we’ll do. You keep the house you asked for, and I’ll transfer another to you from my own portfolio–a luxury property in Manhattan. One to live in, one to rent out. The income should cover your expenses comfortably.”

I was genuinely surprised.

The properties she mentioned were in the most exclusive neighborhoods.

The rental income alone would be a five–figure sum every month. The Graysons had always been decent to me, but we weren’t close. An extra house

for no reason? That wasn’t like them..

As I tried to figure out her angle, Victoria’s tone shifted, becoming more personal.

“Elara, I know it wasn’t easy for you, growing up in the Windsor household. No matter how much Margaret doted on you in public, being there alone…. you must have suffered.” She paused, letting the words sink in. “When you came to the Grayson family, we’ve all treated you well, haven’t we?”

“You’ve all been very good to me,” I agreed cautiously.

She nodded, a look of satisfaction crossing her features. “I knew you were reasonable. Just in terms of character, you’re a hundred times better than that Amelia!” She leaned forward slightly. “Elara… I have to ask you for a favor–”

“I agree to your divorce from Zane, But I need you to keep it quiet for now. Don’t mention it to him.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll have people handle the paperwork discreetly. We can get the divorce finalized,” she explained. “But for now, only you and I will know. I need to find a suitable match for Zane first. Once the new arrangement is settled, we’ll announce the divorce publicly.”

12:18

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

16.8%

Chapter 24

There it was. She was afraid that if the divorce happened first, Amelia would swoop in and cause a scandal. The extra house was my payment for staying silent for remaining the placid Mrs. Grayson until a replacement was lined up.

But I wanted a clean break. I was done with the scheming.

“Mother, I understand, but…” I started, hesitating.

“Elara, this is a win–win.” Victoria interrupted, her voice turning businesslike. “You’ll keep the Grayson name a while longer. The Windsors will still have to respect you, won’t they?” Her gaze was sharp, piercing.

A cold shock ran through me. My fists clenched under the table. I met her eyes, and the message was clear.

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