Loving The Better Brother novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Latest Gossip

WILLOW

I froze, my finger hovering over the volume knob.

The anchor’s voice sounded like they had some very juicy gossip. Despite not being a fan of such segments, I felt like I should listen to this one.

Finished

“Spotted late last night leaving the private rooftop lounge of the Regency none other than Tristan Hale’s brother-the elusive Marcus Hale.”

Hotel-

I felt Tristan go still beside me.I must be a psychic or something. How could I have predicted that this gossip segment would talk about someone I knew?

“The younger Hale brother, known for his refusal to comment on his relationship status, was seen accompanying young heir and entrepreneur Serena King. The two were photographed entering the same vehicle shortly after midnight.”

The broadcast cut to the faint clicking sound of camera shutters and muffled paparazzi chatter.

“For years, speculation has surrounded Marcus Hale’s marital status. Though insiders claim he is legally married, the mysterious wife has never appeared publicly, nor has she attended any official public Hale functions.”

A small smirk appeared on my lips.

The anchor continued, delighted.

“Is this strictly a business dinner between two powerful figures? Or is something brewing beneath the surface? If Marcus Hale is indeed married, what does this mean for the unknown Mrs. Hale?”

Tristan reached forward calmly and switched the station. Cheesy pop music burst through the speakers.

“Don’t listen to it,” he said evenly.

I exhaled slowly, staring ahead. “It’s fine. It’s over anyway.”

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Finished

He glanced at me.

“Is it?”

“Yes.”

“Are you really getting divorced with him?” he added quietly.

I kept my gaze on the road ahead.

“Yes,” I said. “I’m working on it.”

The words felt steadier than I expected. Although there was still a small ache in my heart, I knew, deep down, our relationship was far beyond saving.

When I turned to Tristan, I caught the faint curve of a smile at the corner of his mouth.

The pop song playing in the background was aggressively cheerful. It was what I originally wanted to distract me from the man next to me, but now, it was just background noise.

“You know,” I said, leaning back against the seat, “even in the news gossips, they always introduce Marcus as your younger brother.”

I smirked slightly.

“I bet he wouldn’t like that.”

Tristan laughed properly this time-a low, rich sound that filled the car.

“He wouldn’t,” he agreed. “He’s very particular about not wanting to be associated with me.”

“I can imagine.”

“He’d hate knowing they put my name first.”

“Well,” I shrugged, “you are the more famous one.”

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Chapter 23 Latest Gossip

“Unfortunately.”

“Oh, please,” I said dryly. “You thrive on it.”

He shot me a look. “Do I?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t.”

“You absolutely do.”

He drummed his fingers once against the steering wheel.

“Do you need my help with the divorce?” he suddenly asked.

Finished

I stiffened, turning to him once more. His face had gone from amused to serious.

“No need,” I replied immediately, crossing my arms over my chest. He didn’t look convinced.

“I know a good lawyer,” he continued.

ppp

I tilted my head slightly. “You don’t know your brother too well then.”

“Maybe not,” he admitted. “But I know men.”

“Oh? And?”

“And no man marries someone he doesn’t like.”

I gave him a look. “You’d be surprised.”

Silence stretched between us. The song on the radio shifted to another overly

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Chapter 23 Latest Gossip

romantic chorus.

“I wasn’t exactly… ideal,” I added lightly.

“What does that mean?”

“It means I wasn’t what he wanted.”

Tristan’s gaze flicked to me again, longer this time.

“He didn’t deserve you then.”

Finished

My heart stuttered. I felt his gaze on me, probably expecting a response, but I kept silent, staring at the window and wondering why the coffee shop was suddenly so far from the Fiorane building.

2

As far as I know, the building was surrounded by quite a number of business

establishments. Tristan should have brought me somewhere closer!

“Can I ask you something?” he said, breaking my thoughts.

“You just did.”

He ignored my comment.

“How did you even come to like him in the first place?”