Just using each other.
Nobody here was innocent.
Zane grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. “I’ll ask you one more time. Think carefully before you answer.”
His voice was dangerously low. “This whole marriage–you’ve just been using me from the start, haven’t you?!”
The pressure of his grip was so fierce I thought my jaw might dislocate. Tears of pain pricked at the corners of my eyes, and my composure was fraying by the second–but my voice came out firm.
“Yes. I said yes.”
I glared back at him, anger burning through the hurt. “Zane, you were the one who betrayed this marriage. What gives you the right to stand there and act so righteous?”
Finally–I’d said it.
The words I’d held back for so long.
There was a time I’d wanted to give him my future.
To earn his affection. To be the perfect, obedient Mrs. Grayson.
I’d really meant it once.
His fingers tightened even more. I could see him fighting the urge to do something worse–to really hurt me.
“How many times do I have to say it?” he bit out, voice strained. “I’ve told you again and again–my wife isn’t going anywhere. You’ll always be Mrs. Grayson.”
He stared down at me, frustration etched across his face. “Why can’t you understand that?”
I almost laughed. That condescending tone–like he was doing me some great favor just by letting me stay.
When I didn’t respond, maybe he took it as regret. His grip loosened slightly. Zane never liked getting physical for too long.
1 can let today go,” he said, quieter now. “But Mia wants in on the Windsor Group project. You’re the team lead–you can bring someone in, can’t you?”
His eyes held mine, steady. “Consider it a gesture of goodwill. Go to the hospital. Apologize properly to her and the boy.”
So that’s what this was really about.
I took a slow breath, pulling my professionalism around me like armor.
“Based on qualifications and ability, Amelia doesn’t meet the project’s standards.”
Fifteen years of training under Professor Colton. Three years of practice. Real drug development experience.
Ellas had blazed through his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD, then built the clinic from nothing.
The other three team members? MDs or research institute veterans.
What did Amelia have?
10:23
Betrayed ? | Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother
37.4%
Chapter 80
“Mia graduated at the top of her class in med school, Zane argued, frowning.
“She’s your senior. Why are you so dismissive?”
I didn’t have the energy to fight. If you’re not happy with that, call the police.”
Tlara.”
His voice turned sharp, impatient with my stubbornmess. Don’t make me regret my decision back then.”
“What decision?
Something dark fuckered behind my eyes. My voice dropped, almost a whisper.
Marrying me?
I wasn’t the one filled with regret–but he clearly was.
In the silence that followed, I let out a cold laugh.
Then go ahead. Regret it.”
I turned and walked away, not looking back as I left the elevator bay.
But just past the automatic doors, I froze.
There stood Gavin, not far off.
No doubt he’d caught at least part of our little scene.
Anger and humiliation twisted inside me. “Gavin,” I said, my voice tight. “Do you enjoy eavesdropping that much?”
Depends who’s talking.”
He was calm, one hand tucked casually into his trouser pocket. His eyes swept over me, taking in every detail before he spoke again, voice cool.
“What about you? Do you regret it?”
The answer came instantly I’d asked myself that question before–I already knew.
If for as marriage, Margaret would’ve clipped my wings long ago.
The car? The Windsors would’ve shut it down the moment they found out
in the end, the Grays–even Zane hadn’t treated me badly
I med he’d be a good husband When that didn’t happen it wasnt the end of the worb
These Buree years. Id been content
Gavin let out a kuw, cold laugh is really like him that much?
Though his tune was tucking his gase was sharp–perring, like he wanted to strip away every layer of pretense.
I smiled softly
Then I lifted my eyes to his, clear and unflinching.
“Gavin, you seem awfully invested in this.” I tilted my head, a faint tease in my voice. “What, have you been single so long you can’t stand seeing a friend get loved by someone?”
He and Zane used to be close once.
For a moment, Gavin’s expression stiffened. Then he replied, utterly calm, “Who said I was single?”
(15)
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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