Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

When I got in the car, Chloe gestured to the back seat. “I grabbed all your things from Mary’s. Check if anything’s missing.”

One suitcase. One backpack.

I only opened the backpack. All my important documents and essentials were there.

“Nothing’s missing,” I said, leaning back. “Let’s head to the airport.”

“Alright.” Chloe nodded, pressing the gas as the car slowly pulled away.

Almost against my will, I still glanced back toward the fire escape.

Just then, Zane finished his call and stepped out. Still tall and poised, still the man with that gentle face from my memories.

Chloe noticed. “What are you looking at?”

“Nothing.”

As we left the underground garage, morning light flooded the windshield. I smiled softly. “The weather’s really nice today.”

“Yeah, we haven’t seen the sun in days.”

Who could resist a warm winter sun? Chloe gripped the wheel, glanced at me, and raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen you this happy when traveling abroad before. What’s got you so cheerful this time?”

I rolled down the window, slipped off my wedding ring, and tossed it out. “This time is different.”

This time, when I left the country, I was the Greyson family’s Mrs., someone else’s shield.

When I return, I’ll just be Elara.

Only Elara.

At the boarding gate, I spotted Elias Bennett right away.

Dressed in clean, casual clothes, tall and handsome–he stood out.

He was looking for me too, and our eyes met.

Even after all these years, seeing my face without makeup still made his eyes light up with appreciation. He walked over in a few strides and took my backpack.

Then his gaze swept over my face again, his professional instincts kicking in. “Couldn’t sleep well in the hospital these past few days?”

Elias was the director of the private hospital where I worked. He’d always looked out for me.

I nodded. “It was okay.”

When I boarded, I found my seat had been upgraded to first class.

Elias noticed my look of confusion and raised an eyebrow slightly. “So you can get some proper sleep. This is unpaid business travel, after all–least I can do is make sure you’re rested.”

I smiled. “Will Colton reimburse you for this?”

12:18

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

13.1%

Chapter 19

“Don’t worry. I can cover this much.”

“Then… thanks.”

I didn’t argue. Truth was, Elias wasn’t short on money. His family ran a major pharmaceutical conglomerate; the hospital was just a side project for him.

There was a six–hour time difference between New York and Germany. When we landed, it was sunny and warm here.

The research institute sent someone to pick us up and take us to the hotel.

Elias walked me to my room, then noticed my bare ring finger. “You usually treasure that wedding ring. Not wearing it this time?”

“I lost it.” I shrugged and said honestly, “Elias, I’m getting a divorce.”

He froze, then raised his eyebrows, clear pleasure spreading across his face. “Colton was right, after all. Zane never deserved you.”

Seeing the smile in his eyes, I said, “Should I take that as you gloating?”

“I’m happy for you.” He grinned, carrying my luggage into the room. “Get some rest. I’ll pick you up for dinner tonight.”

“Okay.” I went to freshen up, then dug my phone out of

f my bag.

As soon as I turned it on, messages trickled in sporadically.

Zane’s stood out the most.

[Elara, something urgent came up. Can’t make it home from the hospital with you.]

[Be good. I’ll definitely come home tonight to open your presents with you.]

A mocking smile curved my lips.

Was it him who had something urgent? Or was it Amelia?

I couldn’t even be bothered to reply. I only tapped into Chloe’s chat to let her know I’d landed safely.

Since it was still early and I’d slept enough on the plane, I decided to go out for a walk.

Chloe got the message during a meeting. Knowing I was safe, she didn’t reply right away.

After working overtime, she finally called, getting straight to the point: “Has Zane seen the divorce papers yet? Did he give you a definite answer?”

By then, it was already late at night back home.

If Zane hadn’t broken his promise yet again, he should have opened that “gift” and seen the divorce agreement by now.

Your reads and comments are my biggest motivation. Thank you!

(11)

12:18