Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

My mind raced, scrabbling for a cover.

“A professional certification,” I said, the lie coming out a bit too quickly. “For advanced medical aesthetics. Your mother… doesn’t entirely approve She thinks it’s beneath the family’s image.”

It was a gamble. Zane knew she’d never been enthusiastic about me working, let alone expanding into what she’d call a “glorified spa service.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket, a violent tremor against my thigh.

-Transfer Received: $5,000,000.00.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. I forced my expression to remain neutral, a mask of slight embarrassment over the argued–about “career move.”

Zane studied me for a long moment, and I could almost see the gears turning.

He didn’t push it about the certificate. Instead, he switched tracks, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“You said you needed to talk to me about something last night. What was it?”

I met his gaze head–on, keeping my expression neutral. “Chloe invited me on a trip. That’s what I’wanted to talk about.”

He didn’t bring up the photo. I didn’t either. At this point, maybe it just didn’t matter anymore.

“A short trip could be good for you. A chance to unwind.” He gave a light, almost weary shrug. “Wish I could join you, but… you know how it is. With Ethan gone, there’s just… more to handle.”

“Of course. I understand,” I nodded, the words tasting like ash. Oh, I understand perfectly. You’re not just handling his work. You’re handling his wife. His son, too. What a devoted brother you are.

He seemed satisfied with my reply, a faint smile touching his lips. His eyes drifted to the empty gift box on the table. “So… that was for me, right?”

“Your mother saw it. She liked it, so she took it.” I shrugged, keeping my voice even. “If you want one, you can ask her to get you one next time.”

He just nodded, not even curious about what it was. “If she likes it, it’s fine.”

He was so… detached. Just like he’d been about everything in this marriage for the past three years.

I used to think it was because he was just a easygoing guy. Now I know better. It was indifference. Plain and simple. He didn’t care about the gifts I gave him, and he didn’t care about me. He’d always kept this polite distance.

But now? Honestly, I didn’t care either. I just smiled back. “Fine by me. Saves me from having to spend money on another one.”

“Little money–grubber.” He shot me a sideways glance, almost playful. “I haven’t been any stingier with you than Gavin was, have I?”

My nails dug into my palms, but I kept my lips curved. “You’ve always been generous.”

It was true. Growing up, tagging along on Gavin’s birthdays, Zane always knew the perfect gift. He never held back. He was the gentleman always willing to make his best friend’s little sister smile.

And that’s all I ever was. The little sister.

That answer seemed to satisfy him. He smiled. “Still giving your brother the silent treatment?”

“I’m not giving him the silent treatment.” My voice cooled.

12:18

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

18.2%

Chapter 26

I wasn’t the one who had a problem to begin with.

Victoria had left the front door wide open in her huff, and a cold draft swept through the foyer. I shivered, wanting this conversation to be over. I

looked at Zane. “Zane, I’m leaving now.”

“Heading to the hospital again?” He completely missed the finality in my tone.

I didn’t explain. Just nodded. “Yeah. Elias is swamped today. Asked me to cover for him.”

“Alright. Want the driver to take you?”

“No.” I refused instantly. “I’m good on my own.”

I’d gotten used to being on my own a long, long time ago.

I pulled on my long down coat and stepped outside. The ground was still icy, but weak sunlight managed to paint patches on the slippery path.

Once I was in the cab, I pulled out my phone. Without a second thought, I transferred the entire five million–still warm in my account–to a charity that funded education for girls in poverty. I figured every girl deserved a shot at a real life. A chance to stand in the sunlight, free and unfettered.

Not like me.

Never like me.

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