Billionaire And His Son Betrayed Me: Brothers Back Me Up novel Chapter 8

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As the line went dead, Xylia froze for a long while. Yves never liked her. Since Tessa’s return, his disdain had only grown sharper. He truly believed she didn’t deserve Connor–only his real daughter did. Yet he still had to cling to the Fords through her.

After hesitating for a long time, Xylia finally called Connor. The phone rang only twice before being answered. Connor’s voice was a bit cold, “What do you want now?”

Xylia flinched at his icy tone, then said, “My dad’s birthday banquet is the day after tomorrow. Will you bring Sonny over?”

Connor frowned, a flicker of something crossing his eyes. ‘She finally cracked and called me. Still so childish, throwing a tantrum just to keep me. If she just acts right, I might let it slide. But that tone is really annoying!’

“Since you want a divorce, there’s no need for me to act as your husband anymore,” Connor said coldly. “Is this your way of making up?”

“It’s not making up,” Xylia took a deep breath, holding back her temper. “My dad wants to see Sonny.”

A bitter sneer curled inside her. ‘Before prison, he played the dutiful husband. Now, the mask is off.‘

Connor’s brows tightened, coldness flickering in his eyes but a restless heat spreading in his chest. ‘She only called about Sonny?‘ For some reason, he grew more irritable. ‘Same old games. This is just another excuse. She can’t stand being without me!

“Your excuse is really poor,” Connor’s voice was low, a trace of impatience crossing his face. “Where did you learn these shabby tricks?” He stabbed at her heart, word by word.

Xylia no longer felt pain. She only felt numb. She took another deep breath, swallowing the sarcastic words in her mouth. ‘Anyway, I’m leaving in three months. I’ll never have to see him again!’

On the other end, Sonny snatched the phone, “You damn cripple! Didn’t you say you’re not my mom anymore? Why are you calling?”

Those three words pierced like shards of glass. Xylia let out a bitter laugh. “Ten months of my life for this. She just realized they had turned her son into a spoiled monster.

“Your grandpa’s birthday banquet is the day after tomorrow. He wants to see you,” Xylia’s bright face now wore a touch of frost.

Her cold voice cut through the phone, echoing sharply in the Ford family’s living room. “I

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Chapter 8

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said I won’t be your mom, and I won’t go back on it.”

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A weighted silence followed her words. Then it was shattered by a woman’s laugh, bright and careless. “Why so serious? Connor, look at my dress! Am I prettier than your wife?”

Xylia recognized that voice instantly. A bitter feeling rose in her heart as Tessa’s laugh oozed through the speaker, “Xylia, don’t be mad. I know I’m around a lot, but it’s strictly bro–code between Connor and me. Since you’re not here, I have to help Connor take care of the family, right?”

That mistress–like tone drew a derisive snort from Xylia. ‘Barely gone a day and Tessa’s already nesting in my house‘.

But she didn’t bother to care anymore. She was done wasting time on Connor and Sonny. Lowering her eyes, she ended the call without another word.

*****

Listening to the abrupt silence, Connor suddenly felt a hollow in his chest. He frowned tightly, almost reflexively reaching to call back, but Tessa seized his hand.

“I know how to handle women. The colder she acts, the less you reward it. Otherwise, she’ll walk all over you later.” Tessa grinned. “Trust me, I know her type. Starve a stray long enough, and it’ll eat from your palm forever.”

Connor nodded and put his phone away. ‘Tessa is right. I’ve been too soft on Xylia. Now she has the nerve to talk divorce? Does she really think she can make it without me? Fine. Let her stew. A taste of reality might do her good.‘

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After the unpleasant conversation, Xylia felt drained, her leg and hand injuries throbbing faintly. She sat on the sofa, scrolling through her phone. When she came across a painting exhibition, a sudden thought sparked in her.

Before dance claimed her heart, painting had been her first love. Though her leg might never fully heal, her hands still remembered the weight of a brush.

A rare smile broke through Xylia’s icy expression, her eyes alight with possibility, Pain had carved a new path for her. This wasn’t an ending, but a different beginning.

*****

The next day, Joshua knocked on Xylia’s door again. That smile still played on his lips as he slowly carried things inside. “Checking in on the patient,” he said, voice lazy but firm.

Xylia stared at the table full of food, her throat tightening. She tucked a loose strand of hair

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Chapter 8

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behind her ear, eyes downcast. “I don’t even know how to thank you.”

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