Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 8

Chapter 08

Chapter 08

“I’m sorry… something urgent has come up,” he said, his voice clipping the words short. ” I might not be able to make the dinner..”

I looked at him, paused for a beat, and kept my voice even. “I understand.”

I turned to the driver. “You can pull over up ahead.”

The car eased to the curb.

But Zane didn’t move.

I looked at him, feigning confusion. “You should go. Didn’t you say it was urgent?”

“…Alright.”

He seemed stunned for a second, but ultimately said nothing else, just got out of the car in silence,

The Windsor estate was a classic portrait of old wealth, nestled deep within the rolling hills.

Manicured lawns swept down to a serene lake, guarded by a grove of ancient oaks. It was the kind of view that whispered of old money and quiet

power.

Windsor family dinners were never the loud, boisterous affairs other wealthy families threw.

With Zane, there’d be five of us, max.

The moment I stepped inside alone, the butler came forward, smiling. “Miss Elara, the Old Madam has been expecting you.”

“Mm.”

I nodded, but my hands secretly clenched at my sides.

In the dining room, Margaret sat at the head of the table, her two daughters to her left. I greeted them each in turn; the two women barely acknowledged me with a nod.

But Margaret frowned, her eyes looking past me toward the door. “Where is Zane?”

I told her the truth. “Something urgent came up. He had to leave.”

The words were barely out of my mouth before a teacup came flying at me, shattering against the wall beside my head.

Margaret’s voice cracked with fury-

“Go stand outside!”

Several hours later, when I finally walked out of Windsor Manor, my legs were stiff and numb with cold. Every movement sent sharp, needle–like pains shooting through them.

For three years, this had been the punishment every time Zane failed to appear with me. I wasn’t permitted to dine. I had to stand outside in the biting wind until the dinner was over.

But Zane had no idea that every time he ran off to prove his devotion to his true love, he was shoving me closer to the edge.

12:15

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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Chapter 08

There was a time, back in the past, when the person who raised me–Gavin, the one just a few years older who was technically my brother–would stand up for me. He had my back, no matter what. Supported me, protected me… unconditionally.

But ever since I married Zane, he vanished from my life.

Now, here in the Windsor family, I only have myself to rely on. No one stands with me–not even my husband.

But it was fine.

I was used to it by now.

The only thing that mattered was hailing a cab and getting home before I froze to death on the curb.

I finally managed to book an Uber with a surge price, but because it was late and snowing, the driver would only wait for me at the base of the mountain.

The walk down was pure torture. Each step was a fresh jolt of pain. Even though it was winter, a thin layer of cold sweat soaked my back from the effort.

The endless expanse of snow seemed to swallow the world whole. Through the dizzying haze in my vision, a long, black Bentley crept toward me.

For a second, I wondered if the pounding in my head was making me see things-

there was no way this was my ride. But at that point, I was beyond caring. If it stopped, it would be a miracle. I was running on empty.

Just as the car pulled up mere steps away, close enough to almost make out the face inside, my legs gave out. I crumpled to the ground, and the world went black in an instant.

Somewhere in the fog, I heard the crunch of boots on snow. Then, a pair of strong, warm arms lifted me. Held me.

Who…?

And why did I feel a hand–gentle, almost wondering–brushing the hair from my face?

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