Billionaire And His Son Betrayed Me: Brothers Back Me Up novel Chapter 9

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On the day of Yves’s birthday, Xylia didn’t receive a call from Connor or Sonny. When she tried calling them, the line disconnected immediately.

She stood frozen for a long moment. With no other options, she grabbed the gift and hailed a cab to the Schultz residence.

The moment Xylia entered the house, Gia Schultz’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Our precious daughter finally blesses us with a visit! Your father and I aren’t important enough for you now? Or is this grand entrance of yours carefully timed?”

Seeing the injuries on Xylia’s hands and feet, Gia’s expression turned slightly uneasy. “Tessa told me your injuries are almost healed. Who are you putting on this act for?”

Xylia pressed her lips tight, a dull ache spreading in her chest. Gia had once been kind to her, but everything changed the day Tessa came home. Gia resented her for stealing Tessa’s happy life, yet was forced to keep her around for the sake of the family’s reputation.

Life in the Schultz family had become a constant struggle for Xylia–until Connor saved her. Back then, she thought it was her salvation. But it turned out to be an even fiercer hell.

“But the damage is permanent. I can never hold a scalpel again. I can never dance again.” Xylia’s voice trembled as she stared straight into Gia’s eyes, her gaze sharp with accusation.

A flicker of guilt flashed across Gia’s face, but she snapped back, “You were never half the dancer Tessa was. Our family only need one star performer.”

Seeing Gia’s uneasy look, Xylia’s heart grew cold. ‘How much do they know about me taking the blame for Tessa?‘ she wondered. ‘How much are they involved?‘ She bit her lip and stayed silent, her face pale and fragile.

“What, cat got your tongue?” Gia snapped, her temper flaring. “After all these years I raised you, this is how you repay me? With silence?”

“Enough!” Yves’s authoritative voice cut through the air as he descended the stairs, his brow furrowed. “What’s all this shouting? Have you forgotten how to behave?”

He sank into the sofa and glanced up at Xylia. Seeing she was alone, his expression darkened. “Connor and Sonny didn’t come with you?”

His sudden change in demeanor was painfully obvious. Xylia felt a bitter smirk twist her lips. “Something came up last minute. They won’t be coming.”

Yves’s eyes flashed with impatience as he looked Xylia up and down. “What good are you?” he sneered. “Can’t even keep your husband by your side. Years of marriage, and what have we

11:44 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 9

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gained? Nothing.”

“After all, we wasted our years raising an ungrateful wretch,” Gia sneered, her voice thick with

contempt.

They took turns tearing into her, stripping away her worth. Xylia sat on the sofa, head bowed, listening silently, but her fingers curled into tight fists.

‘How pathetic, Xylia thought. ‘All this time craving their love. But to them, I’ve always been just a disposable pawn.’

“Mom, Dad, I’m home!” A bright, bubbly voice chimed through the house. Xylia turned to see Tessa fluttering over like a butterfly, launching herself into Gia’s waiting arms.

Gia’s face brightened instantly. Gently smoothing Tessa’s hair, she said softly, “There’s my sweetheart! Did you miss me? What took you so long today?”

Watching them share this loving moment, Xylia felt a sharp pain in her chest. Gia used to talk to her that way too. But after Tessa returned, everything was different. Xylia didn’t understand what she had done wrong, but she kept trying to make them happy.

There was a time when she had sold nearly all her jewelry just to buy Gia a beautiful jade set. All she got back was a icy comment, “No gift you give could ever make you equal to Tessa.” Then Gia smashed the jade pieces. Now, Xylia just felt numb.

“I brought guests,” Tessa giggled, gesturing toward the door as Sonny and Connor walked in.

Sonny cheerfully threw his arms around Yves, “Grandpa, happy birthday!”

“That’s my boy,” Yves’s earlier scowl melted into a beaming smile. He drew Sonny into a tight embrace, his eyes shining as he inspected his grandson.

Xylia sat on the sofa, as if separated from them by an invisible wall. They looked like a happy family with her son and her husband, while she felt like an outsider.

Numbness washed over her again. She had thought Connor wouldn’t come at all, but it turned out he just didn’t want to come with her.

Sonny proudly produced his gift, beaming as he handed it to Yves. “We got this for you! Tessa helped me choose it.”

Yves’s earlier sternness vanished as he broke into a toothy grin. Ruffling Sonny’s hair, he chuckled, “What a charmer you are. Thank goodness you didn’t take after your mother.”

Sonny lifted his chin proudly. “Mom’s dumb. I’m glad I didn’t get that from her. I got my brains from Dad.” He paused, then added with sudden seriousness, “And Tessa helped too.”

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Chapter 9

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Day after day, Tessa trained him to aggressively defend his interests. Now in kindergarten, he would attack at the slightest provocation–shoving classmates, snatching toys. Soon the other children gave him a wide berth.

Tessa stuck out her tongue at Xylia with a mocking grin. “Kids speak without filters. So amusing. Xylia, you’re not offended, right?”

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