Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 48

chapter 48

After all, technically, he was the one who raised me.

Even after all these years of distance, there had to be some lingering affection, right?

But he said nothing.

And just like that, it hit me–Never expect anyone to ride in and save you. That little scene with Theodore? That was just him settling an old score. It was never about me.

Honestly? I was just glad I’d worn pants instead of a dress. Small victories.

My mind was quiet–no anger, no fear, just this eerie calm. I walked outside like it was the most natural thing in the world, then lowered myself to my knees in the cold.

It wasn’t a big deal–just Margaret’s idea of discipline. She thought I’d embarrassed the family.

Arguing was pointless. I knew what I was here for, and it wasn’t her approval.

Through the floor–to–ceiling window, Margaret watched me, her expression stern and unyielding. She clicked her tongue, the sound crisp in the chilled air.

“Stubborn,” she muttered, loud enough for me to catch. “Just like your parents.”

“Are we having dinner or not?”

Gavin lazily spun his phone in his hand, a faint, mocking smile playing on his lips. “Is every family dinner just an excuse to show off your torture methods?”

He didn’t name names, but everyone in the room knew exactly who he was talking about.

The entire hall fell dead silent.

Margaret, having been publicly slighted in front of all the juniors, could barely contain her anger. “Don’t you dare come back then!”

It wasn’t like he’d been coming around much these past few years anyway.

No one had expected him to show up today of all days.

Gavin chuckled. “How else am I supposed to learn?”

He glanced at Neil, who was standing nearby. “Watch closely. Take notes. Your methods are amateur compared to the old lady’s.”

Everyone in the Windsor family, except Margaret, was struggling to hold back their laughter.

Why was everyone so afraid of Gavin?

It was simple–the man was ruthless. Rumor had it he’d once fed someone to the sharks as chum.

But Neil responded with complete seriousness, “Yes, sir!”

Margaret was trembling with rage. “Gavin, do you have any respect for your elder-”

“So, are we eating or not?”

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Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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chapter 48

Gavin cut her off, standing up leisurely and smoothing his already impeccable clothes. “If not, I’m leaving.”

With that, he ignored Margaret, who was now clutching her chest in fury, and walked out with his hands in his pockets.

The snow was coming down hard.

I knelt under the glow of a streetlamp. Before long, my eyelashes were crusted with frost, and a biting cold had seeped deep into my knees and shins.

But I could take it.

There was a time I’d knelt for days on end.

If I hadn’t studied medicine from a young age and learned how to care for myself, my legs would have been ruined for good.

A little while like this was nothing.

My phone buzzed in my coat pocket.

Another unknown number.

I declined the call, then noticed I’d missed several messages.

My hands were too frozen. The moment I tapped to open the messages, my fingers trembled violently, and the phone slipped from my grasp.

“Elara, sorry… I don’t think I can make it after all. Work is just insane. You know how it’s been since Ethan passed, it’s one thing after another. I’ll send a driver for you later.”

“You doing okay, Elara? The Windsors didn’t give you any trouble today, did they?”

A bitter smile tugged at my lips. I didn’t even want to pick up the phone to reply.

I’d known Zane wouldn’t come the moment I made that call outside the old estate.

But seeing this text now? The disappointment felt fresh and sharp, a clean cut.

He knew. He remembered perfectly well what the Windsors put me through without him by my side. And he still didn’t come.

A sudden night gust whipped down, driving icy air and snowflakes straight into my lungs, making every breath a painful rasp.

I steadied myself, bending to retrieve my phone, when a shadow fell over me. Someone was faster–scooping my phone up while an arm snaked around my waist.

In one fluid motion, I was hauled over a shoulder.

The world tilted, and I found myself staring at a broad, wool–clad back, the fabric stretched taut over what were unmistakably well–defined shoulders.

The man carrying me moved with quick, determined strides, his body radiating a heat that was a stark contrast to the freezing air.

Hey you amazing people! Just seeing you here reading along makes me wanna do a happy dance. Welcome to our little inside circle! I’m updating like clockwork, so stay tuned. Do me a huge favor–tell one bookish friend about this story! Let’s grow this family!

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