Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Colton.

My mentor.

Four years ago, I could’ve been a physician at one of the top hospitals in the U.S. Getting into a place like that in my early twenties said a lot. Anyone could imagine how far I might’ve gone.

But Margaret had derailed that future without breaking a sweat. No one dared hire me.

It was Colton who told me it was okay, not to lose heart. He was the one who secretly set up my position at the private hospital.

I answered. “Colton.”

“Elara! Not too swamped lately?” He sounded as cheerful as ever.

“Not really,” I chuckled. “What’s up? Going on vacation? Need me to water your plants?”

“Look at you! Am I the kind of guy who only calls when he needs a favor?”

He laughed, then cleared his throat a little awkwardly.

“Remember that medical research lab that visited for the exchange program last time? They’re spinning off a startup. We need to send someone for a collaboration trip.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see it. “I remember. It’s abroad, right?”

“Germany,” Colton said, smiling. “I remember you studied German. You’d be perfect for it.”

“Alright,” I said, a wave of quiet readiness rising inside me. “I’m in. When do I leave?”

“In a week.”

Colton’s voice held a hint of guilt. “…The 31st.”

The 31st.

Zane’s birthday.

Every year on his birthday, I never scheduled any work. I’d carefully decorate the house, prepare dinner, pick out a gift.

But he never came home. Not once.

I’d always told myself he was just swamped with work.

Looking back now, it was utterly ridiculous.

Whether it was his birthday or our anniversary, those were the days he felt he most needed to prove his devotion to Amelia.

Well, better for me to be tactful and bow out myself.

“I’ll go,” I said without hesitation.

Colton sounded surprised, and maybe afraid I’d change my mind, he didn’t press for reasons. “Alright then! I’ll have my assistant book the tickets immediately.”

12:17

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

10.9%

Chapter 16

Soon after, the flight info landed in my inbox. A 10 AM flight on the 31st.

Later that evening, Chloe carved time out of her crazy schedule to help me move stuff. Four large boxes of medical books filled her car trunk perfectly.

She slammed the trunk shut, dusted her hands off, and looked at me. “Has Zane signed the papers?”

“He has.”

Chloe frowned. “Is he that eager to get divorced?”

“No. He doesn’t know it was the divorce agreement.”

“Aren’t you afraid he’ll back out later?” she reminded me. “You know signing the papers is just one step. If he doesn’t cooperate with the final filing, you’re still legally married.”

“Then I’ll file a lawsuit.”

I lowered my gaze, lost in thought for a moment, my tone indifferent. “Besides, he’ll agree to it.”

Chloe didn’t follow. “Why? A divorc

now would definitely impact Greyson Corp’s stock.”

When the CEO of a public company divorces, the market speculates about asset splits. The share price is bound to fluctuate.

A faint smile touched my lips. “You’ll understand when the time comes.”

“Alright. I’m glad you have a plan. If it’s hard to break things off with Zane directly, I can step in for you,” Chloe offered.

I shook my head gently. “Don’t worry. Zane isn’t stupid enough for that.”

If that online scandal hadn’t broken, I might have been in a passive position.

But now? I held the cards.

Even if only to protect Amelia’s reputation, Zane would agree to the divorce.

Chloe still had a client meeting, so after a few more quick reminders, she got ready to leave.

Before driving off, she remembered something, pulled a gift from the passenger seat, and handed it to me. “Merry Christmas, babe! Gotta run!”

I smiled. “You too. Drive safe!”

I watched her car disappear down the street before turning back toward the house, gift in hand.

Mary had just finished setting the table. “Ma’am, dinner is ready.”

“Good.”

I’d barely responded when I ran into Amelia coming downstairs with Max.

Both mother and son were dressed in full Christmas–themed outfits, holding themselves with identical proud postures, looking at me like I was the

loser.

Max broke free from Amelia’s hand, jumped down the last few steps, and stuck his chin out at me. “Nyah nyah! Uncle Zane is taking me and Mommy out for dinner! And you, you orphan, have to stay home all alone! So pathetic!”

He then looked excitedly toward the courtyard, pulling Amelia toward the door. “Mommy, hurry! Uncle Zane is here!”

“Elara, I’m sorry,” Amelia said, her words an apology but her demeanor pure mistress–of–the–house. “Max insisted Zane spend Christmas with him. I’m afraid you’ll have to celebrate alone. Don’t be upset.”

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

11.2%

Chapter 16

“It’s fine.”

I smiled. “I plan on living a long time. There will be plenty more holidays to celebrate in the future.”

With that, I turned and walked away gracefully.

Amelia’s POV

I froze for a second before her meaning sank in.

Was that bitch actually cursing me out?

I gritted my teeth, my fingers itching to grab her and demand an explanation. But as I looked up, I saw Zane stepping out of the car, his gaze drifting in our direction.

No matter how badly I wanted to strangle her right then, I had to keep it sweet in front of Zane.

I knew better than anyone that Zane had a thing for gentle, elegant women.

Damn it! Why did both Zane and Ethan fall for a bitch like her?

I hated her, yet I kept forcing myself to be more like her.

But what’s weird is, after Ethan died, she started acting different.

Does she… know something?

No… impossible. Ethan never had the chance to tell her anything…

I forced the anger down and walked out with a smile.

“Zane, let’s go.”

He didn’t answer right away.

My stomach tightened–was he ignoring me?

Lately, I’d been feeling uneasy all the time. Sometimes, it even felt like Ethan was watching me. But that’s crazy, right?

I steadied my breath, staying calm, and finally noticed his attention was somewhere else.

He wasn’t even looking at me.

His eyes were locked on someone else-

That bitch.

My nails dug hard into my palm.

I tried to keep smiling, but my voice came out tight.

“Zane, don’t tell me you’re actually into her?”