Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 187

**TITLE: Pushing the Edge 187**

With the weight of my sister’s knowing gaze boring into me, I felt a surge of defiance. In that moment, I ripped the check into tiny, jagged pieces, letting the shreds flutter down onto her desk like confetti from a disastrous celebration.

Chloe had later learned that his sister had received yet another promotion, a fact that hung in the air like an ominous cloud. For days, Chloe was a bundle of nerves, her mind racing and sleep eluding her like a ghost.

The thought of potential consequences loomed over her, a dark shadow that refused to lift.

After all, someone with such power could obliterate her dreams with the mere flick of their wrist.

As I listened to her, I was torn between the impulse to laugh at the absurdity of it all and the urge to weep for her plight. “So… what’s your take on this now?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Chloe blinked, her eyes devoid of moisture, reflecting the turmoil within. “Do you really believe his family would ever accept someone like me as their daughter-in-law?”

That question struck a chord deep within me, and my heart ached for her.

I was at a loss for words.

My own marriage to Zane had been more of a strategic alliance than a romantic union, a pragmatic arrangement that suited both our needs. The Graysons had initially disapproved of our pairing; it was Zane’s unwavering determination that had ultimately paved the way for our union.

But the Huo family was a different beast altogether, known for their rigid adherence to tradition and expectations.

Aidan, being the youngest of four, had the weight of family legacy resting heavily upon his shoulders. His family—his grandparents, parents, and three older siblings—were a formidable force.

In the end, his sister’s dismissive attitude was a clear reflection of the family’s collective mindset.

My silence seemed to confirm Chloe’s fears, and she managed a sad smile, as if she had anticipated my lack of reassurance. “So you see? What I think… it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.”

It was a bitter truth.

She could never fit the mold of a mistress, and the Huo family would never grant their blessing for a union with her.

I reached out, ruffling her hair in a gesture of comfort, though I felt utterly inadequate in offering her the solace she needed. Instead, I simply sat beside her, enveloped in the shared silence, letting it speak volumes.

Time slipped away, stretching into a long, unbroken moment before my phone finally chimed, breaking the stillness. I stood up, grateful for the interruption, and stepped outside to take the call.

“Hi, Grandma Eleanor!” I greeted, my voice brightening at the sound of her familiar tone.

Eleanor’s voice was like sunshine breaking through clouds. “Hello, little Elara! Are you free tomorrow?”

“I am,” I replied, a smile spreading across my face as I seized the opportunity. “If you’re available, I’d love to come visit you.”

In truth, I had been planning to call her in the morning, eager to check in, even before she had reached out. “Great, great!” she exclaimed, her excitement palpable through the phone.

The following day dawned early, and I prepared myself with a sense of anticipation as I headed to Eleanor’s place.

Clayton and Sylvia’s flight was set to land at the airport at 4 p.m., and Elias and I had coordinated to pick them up together.

As I parked in front of Elias’s apartment building, I glanced at the clock on my dashboard.

Perfect timing.

He climbed into the car, fastening his seatbelt while casting an amused glance my way. A light chuckle escaped his lips. “You look like you’ve lost a little weight.”

“Have I?” I asked, instinctively touching my cheek. “I don’t think so. I’ve been eating quite well.”

My fridge was still stocked with enough food to last us for another two days.

Chloe and I had only been buying snacks and some fresh produce lately.

The bulk of our meals had come from the delicious home-cooked dishes prepared by my mentor’s wife and Grandma Eleanor, who had been so generous.

If anything, I thought I might have even gained a few pounds.

Elias grinned. “Make sure to get a few more proper days of rest. Once work kicks back into high gear, you’ll be running around like a headless chicken.”

With my clinical hours, the live-streams where I shared medical knowledge and answered patient queries, and now this pharmaceutical research project on my plate… I was gearing up for a whirlwind of activity.