Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 172

**TITLE: Pushing the Edge 172**
**CONTENT:**
**Chapter 172**

Everything is alright. I have more than enough money at my disposal—enough to hire Chloe eight or even ten bodyguards if that’s what she requires.

The following morning, Chloe and I rose early, filled with excitement, ready to adorn our space with Christmas decorations. We spread out all the delicious food that Sylvia and Eleanor had thoughtfully sent over, filling the kitchen with festive aromas.

Just when the warmth of the Christmas spirit began to settle in, ringing the doorbell interrupted our cheerful atmosphere.

Chloe dashed to answer it. Moments later, she returned, a playful grin on her face as she gently patted my shoulder. “Your ex-husband is here. He’s waiting for you.”

A frown creased my forehead as I processed her words. “Could you keep an eye on the food for a moment?”

I handed her the spoon, feeling a mix of annoyance and curiosity as I stepped outside.

Zane stood there, lingering by the door, not yet stepping inside. “Elara, I’m here to escort you to the main house.”

His unexpected arrival caught me off guard.

In my mind, I had already moved on; I was divorced, and I had completely forgotten about this annual obligation.

Spending Christmas at the Grayson main house was a family tradition, one that seemed to be etched in stone.

These families, steeped in old money and tradition, always put on a façade of happiness during the holidays, no matter how tumultuous their inner lives might be.

“Just give me a moment,” I replied, not outright refusing him. “I need to change.”

I hadn’t anticipated going out today, still clad in my loungewear, comfortable but far from festive.

After a quick change and a touch of makeup, I stepped out, only to find another familiar face waiting outside my apartment.

Gavin leaned against the wall by the elevators, an aura of tension surrounding him. I couldn’t help but wonder who had managed to irritate him this time.

It seemed Zane had already filled him in. As our eyes met, Gavin’s voice was low and steady. “Let’s go.”

“Alright,” I replied, falling into step beside him as we headed toward the elevators. I could feel Gavin’s scrutinizing gaze flickering between us. Without even thinking, I instinctively created a bit more space between Zane and myself.

Finally, Gavin turned his full attention to me. “I’ll swing by the Grayson’s this afternoon to pick you up. We’re having dinner at the Windsor main house.”

Surprise washed over me. “You’re going back to the main house for Christmas this year?”

In all honesty, I could count on one hand the number of times Gavin had spent Christmas at the Windsor main house throughout the years.

It was painfully clear who the “you” in her statement referred to.

I feigned ignorance, pretending not to hear her cutting remark, but Zane wasn’t about to let it slide. “Mother,” he said, his expression remaining neutral, “the poor timing is my fault. If anyone deserves a scolding, it should be me.”

“Zane!” Victoria inhaled sharply, her indignation evident. “Do I need to remind you that I am your mother? You’re always defending others—”

“And by ‘others’,” I interrupted with a light laugh, finally meeting her gaze, “do you mean me? Or are you referring to your daughter-in-law?”

If she meant me, that was simply unfair.

If she meant Amelia, then it was downright inappropriate for her to express such sentiments in my presence. I had no reason to absorb anger directed at someone else.

Victoria’s face tightened, her jaw clenching in frustration. “It’s only natural for Zane to look out for his sister-in-law. He’s merely watching over Max and his mother on Ethan’s behalf. Why must you make such a fuss about it?”

She was the same woman who used to lie awake at night, consumed by fear that Zane would marry Amelia.

Now, for the sake of the Grayson family’s reputation, she stubbornly refused to acknowledge the reality.

I smiled sweetly, my voice dripping with feigned innocence. “Then isn’t it even more appropriate for him to defend me? So why the anger?”