Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

We’re getting something to eat.” Gavin’s gaze locked with mine. His eyes were a stunning blue–like rare sapphires.

But now, there was something deeper in them, something reserved and elusive that hadn’t been there before.

I didn’t like him making decisions for me. “Pull over.”

Neil didn’t slow down. His eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, waiting for Gavin’s signal.

“Keep driving,” Gavin said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I wasn’t about to waste my breath. My hand shot out, gripping the door handle. “You know I don’t take orders. If I was willing to jump from a moving car three years ago, I’ll do it again now.”

A heavy silence fell.

“Three years ago…” Gavin’s voice was dangerously low. “You jumped?”

“Guess you forgot.”

It struck me as odd he wouldn’t remember something like that. But maybe I’d overestimated my place in Gavin’s world. Someone like him, always on the move, always busy… of course he’d forget.

“No… I remember.”

He closed his eyes, long fingers pressing unconsciously against his chest. His handsome face had gone pale. I felt the car slow, then come to a full stop.

What was wrong with him?

Maybe he felt me staring. A moment later, his eyes opened–deep blue and unreadable. He dropped his hand, and aside from the lingering pallor, he was all cool composure again.

“There was a time you begged me,” he said, his voice low and steady, dripping with that magnetic calm. “Told me you’d always listen… that you’d do anything as long as I didn’t leave you. Remember?”

His gaze felt different now–intense, almost unsettling.

“That was a long time ago.” I drew a sharp breath, fighting to keep my voice level. I hated him bringing up the past. “I’m twenty–four now, not some seven–year–old kid. You can’t just snap your fingers and expect me to come running. You really think I’d still be your pet? Your little puppy?”

Without waiting for a reply, I pushed the door open and stepped out into the cold air.

I walked, letting the biting wind cut through me, hoping it would clear my head.

The only peace I’d ever known at Windsor Manor was during those nine years with Gavin. He was my whole world–the one who raised me, protected

me, turned a clueless girl into someone he could be proud of.

His friends used to ask where they could find a sister like me. He’d just laugh. “Don’t bother. She’s a hellcat at home.”

When I was sixteen, he discarded me.

Just like my parents.

After Margaret brought me back, she made me kneel for two days. “Gavin’s always been moody,” she said coldly. “It’s normal for him to keep a pet when he’s amused, and normal to toss it aside when he’s bored.” She stared right through me. “Have you learned your lesson now?”

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Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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Chapter 22

I don’t even remember how I answered. I passed out in the heat, waking to servants throwing ice water on me.

But I learned–never rely on anyone. Never be a burden.

By the next evening, Elias and I had landed in New York. Chloe was already waiting.

Seeing I had a ride, he headed off to the hospital.

Chloe started the car. “My place?”

“Let’s stop by my house first.”

The “home” I shared with Zane was a hillside villa overlooking the Hudson–one of those European–style mansions beloved by the New York elite.

Chloe nodded, then couldn’t resist asking, “All these days… still no word from Zane?”

“No.”

“What’s his deal? Busy attending his mistress’s funeral?” Typical lawyer–sharp tongue.

”

I wasn’t sure either. That’s exactly why I wanted to go back–to discuss the divorce face to face.

“Any progress on… that matter?”

“It’s tricky… After Ethan died, the funeral was arranged in a rush. Everyone just accepted it as a tragic accident caused by that woman’s recklessness.”

Chloe sighed, a rare look of frustration crossing her face. “You saw that text. If Ethan really sent it to you before he died, I don’t think it was an accident.”

“Neither do I.”

Chloe nodded grimly, then looked at me suddenly. “Ethan had feelings for you once, didn’t he?”

..I don’t know.’

A heavy weight pressed on my chest, my throat tight. Even now, I couldn’t connect the dazzling lacrosse star from my memories with the broken body they’d buried.

Sensing my shift in mood, Chloe didn’t push further. “Don’t worry,” she said, her tone firm and reassuring, “I’ll keep digging.”

When we arrived, I didn’t take my luggage out. “Take this to your place for me,” I told Chloe. “Save me the trouble of moving it later.”

I hadn’t taken much from the villa anyway. Just my everyday clothes.

eside

We reached the villa close to midnight. The only entrance light was on inside.

Hearing the noise, Mary came out. She looked surprised to see me. “Ma’am, you’re back. Would you like something to eat?”

“No.”

I shook my head and got straight to the point. “Is Zane home?”

An awkward flicker crossed Mary’s face, but she answered truthfully. “No… the young master hasn’t been back for days.”

Then, as if feeling the need to defend him, she added, “He’s been very busy. Please don’t think too much of it.”

“It’s fine,” I said calmly. “Don’t worry.”

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Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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Chapter 22

I had zero interest in over–analyzing the whereabouts of my soon to be ex–husband.

I hadn’t slept well in days. After washing up, I lay down in the familiar bed, thinking I’d sleep straight through till morning Instead, I found myself wide awake.

This place didn’t feel safe anymore.

The same room, the same bed–nothing had changed, yet everything felt different.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand, mindlessly scrolling through social media.

Chloe: Just dropped off the world’s best bestie. Heading home now to bury myself in case files~

I smiled and liked the post.

Then, as I kept scrolling, my finger froze.

Amelia: You really kept your promise. Always protecting me, always by my side when I need you most.

The post included a photo of her lying in a hospital bed, a hand feeding her a piece of fruit.