Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

I knew it was a crazy ask, but I said it anyway. That’s just how I’m built: you treat me right, I treat you right.

Try to push me around? Not happening.

If she’d just mentioned Grandma Grayson’s health, I would’ve agreed, no questions asked.

But this?

Being backed into a corner, my weak spots picked while she talked down to me like she was doing me a favor? It left a nasty taste.

Felt way too familiar–straight out of Margaret’s playbook.

I’d lived worse than a stray at the Windsor estate, yet everyone acted like I should be grateful for the crumbs.

“Do you have any idea what you’re saying?! You ungrateful girl!”

Victoria was shaking.

She snatched her teacup and hurled it to the floor.

It hit the expensive carpet with a dull thud, tea spreading fast–a dark, ugly stain. Looked about as bad as this dying marriage.

Then, noise at the front door cut through the tension. A black Maybach sat in the courtyard.

Zane was back.

He looked tired, his jacket slung over his arm. His handsome face tightened into a slight frown as he took in the scene–me, Victoria red–faced, the shattered cup on the floor.

His eyes landed on his mother. “Mom,” he said, his tone even but firm. “What’s going on? Why are you losing your temper at Elara?”

Victoria looked like she was about to explode. “You think I’d get this angry for no reason?!” she spat out, practically choking on her fury.

For once, I didn’t play the part of the sensible, peace–making wife. I didn’t jump in to smooth things over. I just kept my eyes down, staying quiet.

The winter sun streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, warming my skin. I could feel the light highlighting the fine hairs on my arms. With my head bowed and my hair falling around my shoulders, I knew I looked the picture of gentle obedience. It was the role I’d always played.

Zane must have assumed this was about Amelia’s social media post from last night. That I was just catching the heat meant for them.

He crossed the room in a few quick strides, his hand wrapping around my arm. He pulled me gently but firmly behind him, putting himself between me and Victoria.

“Whatever has upset you,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument, “you will still respect me. And you will respect her.”

I was… surprised.

I glanced up at his broad back, shielding me, and a totally unexpected memory flashed in my mind: him doing the exact same thing for Amelia at the Grayson estate.

The guy really was something else. A regular philanthropist. Even though there were zero real feelings between us, he didn’t hesitate to step in. To protect.

Victoria rose, her gaze pure ice. “Think you’re your own man now?” she hissed. “How dare you bite the hand that feeds you to help some outsider?”

12.18

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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