Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 54

chapter 54

Amelia’s eyes went so wide I thought they might fall out. Her face was a mess of disbelief as she stared at Zane. “What did you just say?”

Zane frowned and pulled her behind him, like I was the one about to throw hands.

Tlara, Mia’s temper gets the better of her sometimes. Let me apologize on her behalf…”

I was the one who got hit.

My husband–in name, at least–was apologizing to me for someone else, in front of everyone.

Anyone with half a brain could see who really mattered to him.

I just looked at him, my gaze clear and steady. After a long moment, a faint, mocking smile touched my lips. “It’s fine.”

Then I slipped my phone into my bag, pulled out a velvet jewelry box, and walked over to Charles. My smile finally felt real again.

“Charles, happy birthday!”

“Something came up at the hospital. Chloe and I are gonna head out.”

With that, I grabbed Chloe’s hand and we left.

I didn’t look back, but I could feel Zane’s eyes on me until I disappeared through the door. That smile I gave him…

Something about it felt final.

Like I’d already given up on him.

I heard him start to follow, but then Amelia whimpered, “Zane, my ankle!” and grabbed his arm. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the four–leaf clover necklace slip from her collar as she moved. Zane’s step faltered, his eyes fixed on it for a second too long.

Outside the private room, Chloe immediately grabbed my hand. “Are you okay? That looked like it hurt.”

“I’m fine.”

It was nothing compared to what I’d endured from the Windsors‘ staff over the years. I’d built up a tolerance for pain–and for humiliation.

But Chloe was still worried. “Let’s stop by a pharmacy. You could’ve dodged that slap… why did you just take it?”

“Letting her hit me sold the story better.”

My tone was casual, but Chloe fell silent.

I think she always saw me as this pure, kind, resilient girl–a little sunbeam, always positive. Today must have been a wake up call.

She finally spoke, her voice soft. “Do you think I’m too calculating?”

“Are you stupid?” She glared at me, but her eyes were glistening. After angrily wiping her tears, she ruffled my hair. “I just feel sorry for you!”

She couldn’t imagine what I’d been through to learn how to read people and situations so carefully. She’d always thought she was the one with the tough life, but here I was, the one who’d really been through it.

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders and smiled. “Don’t waste your pity. That’s all in the past.”

Things are a thousand times better now.

Detroyed 21 Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

25.1%

chapter 54

“What do you want to eat? My treat.”

“Hmm “Chloe thought for a second, then linked her arm with mine. “Let’s go grocery shopping and cook at my place.”

“Sure.”

Third person POV

As the white Audi drove out of the parking lot, a gleaming black Bentley was just entering. The two cars nearly brushed past each other.

Neil found the license plate familiar and was somewhat puzzled.

“Isn’t that Miss Elara’s friend’s car? It looks like someone’s sitting in the passenger seat. The birthday party hasn’t even started yet–has Miss Elara already left?”

“What did you say?”

Gavin looked up from his tablet, his sharp features catching the dim light of the car’s interior. With his icy blue eyes and dark hair swept back from a commanding forehead, he carried an intensity that seemed to suck the air from any room.

The bodyguard glanced in the rearview mirror and continued, “He said Miss Elara already left. How is that possible? Zane’s car is still there. Miss Elara must have come with Zane today.”

After he finished speaking, he felt Gavin’s gaze was unusually sharp. Had he said something wrong? Wasn’t it normal for a married couple to come together?

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