Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

The video call connected after what felt like an eternity. Zane appeared on the screen, looking thoroughly startled. “Elara?”

I took in his disheveled hair, the faint sheen of sweat on his forehead, and the flushed tone of his skin. A cold laugh echoed in my heart, but I painted the picture of a wife missing her husband on my face. “It’s nothing, Zane. I just… missed you.” I let my voice soften. “What are you up to?”

“Hmm… I, uh, have a cross–border conference…” Zane’s expression was strained, edged with guilt.

Faintly, in the background, I could just make out Amelia’s voice… a muffled moan. Zane subconsciously scratched his nose–a telltale sign I knew all too well. He did that when he was lying, or when he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t.

The night was deep, and I had no more desire to continue this charade. I could just imagine Amelia, waiting impatiently, likely cursing my name eight hundred times over in her head. The thought made me smile–a gentle, wifely smile.

A flicker of shame passed through Zane’s eyes. I didn’t give him a chance to weave another lie. “Don’t work too hard,” I cooed, my tone dripping with false concern. “Get some rest. Goodnight, my love.”

Ending the call, I felt a small, satisfying victory. The petty revenge had served its purpose, washing away the lingering gloom of the evening. A genuine smile touched my lips as I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Gavin’s POV

“Sir, we’re here.”

Gavin opened his eyes, the usual ice in his gaze thawing as he looked toward the familiar porch. A sigh–softer than his old self might have managed–escaped him.

Neil leaned in. “Your grandmother’s watching from the window.”

Unfolding his long frame from the car, Gavin braced himself.

“Grandmother.”

Eleanor, vibrant at nearly eighty, turned. Her smile faded into a theatrical scowl. “Still flying solo? At this rate, I’ll be haunting this house before I get great–grandkids.”

A quiet chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Should I start collecting potential wives by the dozen?”

“Don’t you dare.” She snatched her cane, swatting playfully at his legs. “Find one good woman, Gavin. Just one. Be loyal. Or I’ll write you right out of the

will.”

“Alright, alright. You win.” He gently deflected the cane, his patience unshaken. It was new, this calm–deeper than the Gavin she knew.

He eyed a clay mug on the table. “What’s this?”

“My new herbal brew.” She sighed dramatically. “The young doctor said my worries would be the death of me. She’s lovely, by the way–perfect for

you.”

His eyebrow lifted. “A doctor prescribed… tea?”

“It’s good for me! And she’s kind, smart–just meet her.”

“Grandmother,” he said, a fond weariness in his tone, “not every woman you meet is my future wife.”

“You’ll never know if you keep hiding in that office.” She studied him, her sharp eyes narrowing. “You’re different lately. Softer… but it’s like there’s more of you, somehow. Like you’ve settled into your own skin.”

He just smiled–a quiet, easy thing–and pressed a hand to his stomach. “I’m starving.”

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Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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Chapter 44

“What? You haven’t eaten?” The matchmaking forgotten, she bustled toward the kitchen.

Neil stepped closer. “Should we check out this… herbalist?”

“Let her have her fun. It’s just tea.” Gavin’s gaze drifted, thoughtful and heavy. “But no surprise guests.”

“Understood.” Neil checked his phone. “Windsor dinner tomorrow. Elara’s attending.”

Gavin’s posture didn’t change, but the air around him chilled. “She always does.”

“They might target her again. Do we… step in?”

“Let Zane handle it.” His voice was low, final. “She chose him.“–

Eleanor returned with a steaming bowl of noodles, her eyes lingering on his face. “You’re too calm about her, Gavin. The old you would’ve been…. louder.” She hesitated. “Does the Windsor matriarch know you’re here?”

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