Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

“Hello, Grandmother.”

Her voice was sharp, laced with impatience. “What took you so long?”

“I was in the shower,” I said, my voice carefully light.

“Elara,” Margaret’s cold chuckle sliced through the line, “taking your time is one thing. Failing to answer at all is quite another.”

My grip on the phone tightened until my knuckles turned white. “I wouldn’t do that, Grandmother.”

“See that you don’t,” she said, her tone moderating to a tone that offered no warmth.

“The family dinner is tomorrow evening. I expect you to be here early. Theodore is back in the country. He mentioned it’s been too long since he’s seen you.”

A full–body shudder wracked my frame. My phone slipped from my grasp, clattering loudly onto the floor.

By the time I snatched it back up, the call had ended.

I tilted my head back, staring at the ceiling as I took one deep breath after another, trying to force back the ugly memories scrabbling at the edges of my mind. It didn’t calm me. Instead, my entire body began to tremble.

After a frantic internal debate, I capitulated and dialed Zane’s number.

“Zane, the Windsors are holding a dinner tomorrow evening… Would you have time to accompany me?”

I kept my voice as steady and measured as I could, but my fingers had tightened around the phone of their own accord. I could almost hear my own heartbeat thudding in the quiet that followed.

“Hmm…” He paused, and my heart sank, slow and heavy–here we go again. Fine. It wasn’t the first time I’d been brushed aside. It was fine. I could take it. Ha… Elara, you’re so brave.

“My meeting tomorrow afternoon might run late,” he said, his voice laced with apology.

“I see…” I couldn’t help the silent, bitter laugh. Good. I’m not disappointed at all. Not one bit. Brave Elara can take care of herself, can’t she?

“Let me finish,” his voice was gentle but firm. “I won’t be able to pick you up first. We can meet directly at Windsor Manor, alright? Elara, trust me on this–I will be there with you this time.”

I froze.

Had I heard him right?

Was this real, or was my mind playing tricks?

“Elara, I’m sorry about the past… but please believe me. This time, I won’t let you face the consequences alone because of my absence.” He said it with utter certainty.

The tension in my body dissolved all at once, leaving me almost lightheaded. I didn’t even realize I was smiling faintly. “Yes. That works.” The simple relief of not having to walk into that lion’s den alone was almost overwhelming.

“Good. Are you home yet?”

I glanced down at the floor. “Almost.”

12.21

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

29.9%

Chapter 42

“I picked up that decadent chocolate cake you used to like. It’s in the fridge. Don’t forget to eat something proper.” Zane’s tone was unexpectedly tender, like a genuinely thoughtful husband.

I went rigid.

Lavish gifts from him were ordinary, forgettable. But remembering to bring me a slice of cake? That was a first.

When you’re used to being treated poorly, a sudden act of kindness feels disorienting, almost unbelievable.

I pulled myself together and mustered a polite thank you.

“Alright… thank you, Zane.”

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