Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 90

When I finally made it home, a delicate layer of snow dusted my coat, and I was shivering all over–the cold outside was brutal. I didn’t waste a second before sinking into the tub, already full of steaming water and floating petals.

Bless my best friend Chloe for having the foresight to fill it for me ahead of time. As for the rose petals? That was her little surprise. In the bitter heart of winter, they made me feel something romantic, something soft.

It’s true what they say–life really is about finding those small, beautiful moments amid all the hardship. Sometimes you just have to comfort your own soul and make yourself happy.

So I lay there in the soothing water, closed my eyes, and with a newfound sense of calm, let my mind wander back to my childhood.

It was the day the brother who’d once treasured me like a jewel suddenly, without explanation, handed me over to Margaret.

Then Gavin moved out himself.

Clean. Simple. He wanted nothing more to do with me.

But I hadn’t believed it. Back then, before he could leave, I’d run after him, clutching his arm, begging. “Brother, what did I do wrong? Please, just tell

me…”

“Please don’t leave me behind, okay?”

*Please…”

I was a mess of tears, my eyes pleading, lost and broken.

The old Gavin would have softened at the first sign of my distress, soothing me like a queen.

But that day, he looked down at me with ice in his eyes, his voice utterly detached.

“I was merely bored, Ilara. I kept you around for a few years–did you really think you were like a sister to me?”

Then came the final, crushing blow: “Are you really so desperate to hold onto me that you’d throw your dignity away like this?”

My tears dried up instantly. Right then and there, I swore I would never forget the pain, never forgive Gavin.

But now I understand–chewing on old wounds only deepens the hurt. Maybe… it’s time I let myself off the hook.

Before bed, I checked my email and found a message from someone claiming to be a lawyer. He stated he’d visit me in the coming days to discuss a $100 million inheritance left to me by an unnamed party. He promised to bring all the documents, have me review them, and sign if everything was in

order.

I didn’t reply–because honestly, it was laughable.

“Have scammers been binge–watching too many cheesy dramas? Who would fall for a plot this ridiculous?” I couldn’t resist venting to Chloe.

She laughed. “A hundred million? Oh my god, if it’s real, please just bury me in cash, would you, bestie?”

“Enough–we both know that’s not happening. Better focus on our actual jobs.”

“Yes, boss. Besides the usual work, I’m still looking into the Ethan situation for you. Quick update: his flight instructor is back in the country. I’ll try to set up a meeting. Oh, and his Instagram account just unlocked some previously hidden posts–and I swear it wasn’t me this time. Maybe some other hacker got curious.”

“Alright, I believe you.”

09:59

Betrayed 21 Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

40.8%

Chapter 90

We said our goodnights, and I drifted off to sleep. After all, the clinic would be busy again tomorrow–no matter what happens. I need to rest well and keep my mind sharp.

I hadn’t paid the clinic rumors any mind, but they were spiraling out of control.

The next morning, just as I was grabbing my bag to leave, Elias called. “Elara, why don’t you take a couple of days off? Or go straight to the Windsor Group lab and focus on the project there.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s about Amelia’s son… and your situation with Zane.” He sounded worried. “The gossip is getting ugly. I don’t want it to affect you. Maybe lay low until the police clear things up.”

I hadn’t realized it had gone this far. I stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the clinic floor. “Elias, if I hide, it makes me look guilty.”

“Besides, I’ve got a full schedule today. Are you going to cover my consultations for me?”

“Well..” He sounded pained. “Your patients are… complicated. I’m not sure I…

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify