All Chapters of Deadly Devotion: My Brother's Choice: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

The pounding at the villa's front door snapped me back to reality.I hauled my pregnant sister-in-law, Sophie Barnes, and my three-year-old nephew, Henry Quinn, into the hidden room of the study."Gracie, what are you doing? We have plenty of bodyguards at home. There's no need to hide here," Sophie said."Yeah, Aunt Gracie. Didn't Grandpa say we shouldn't let anyone know there's a hidden room unless it's absolutely necessary?" Henry reminded me.They stared at me in bewilderment, panic rising in their eyes.They still had no idea that my brother, Elliot Quinn, had taken every single bodyguard from the house for his close friend, Ava Sutton."Sophie, Elliot took everyone with him. It's just the three of us at home now."I threw all my strength into pushing the iron cabinets against the door. They screeched loudly as they shifted, and I knew the intruders would surely find their way to the study soon.Sophie was stunned, unable to believe that Elliot, who was always so cautious

Instead of helping me up like I expected, Lionel just stood over me and looked down with a cold expression. "Isn't this just an act with Sophie? How did you end up like this? You really went all out, dragging Henry into it too, just to trick Elliot into coming home."His tone dripped with disdain. To him, I was nothing but a liar playing along with Sophie's schemes."Lionel, I'm not acting! Sophie's trapped at home! There are intruders in the house. Please, take your bodyguards and save her!"He glanced at the wound on my knees with a hint of amusement, then shook his head helplessly. "If Elliot hadn't warned me first, I might've actually believed you. But he already told me you and Sophie made up this nonsense about intruders breaking into the house because you're jealous he took Ava camping."My chest burned with fury. "Don't listen to him, Lionel! This is real! They came for revenge! They were hired by the man Elliot offended not long ago when he landed that big deal!"I pull

The voice on the other end of the phone came through clearly, and Lionel's expression immediately turned grave. "There really were intruders? Is her sister-in-law okay?"I could tell from his expression that it was the police calling.Despite the pain, I forced myself up and snatched my phone from him, desperate to learn what was going on at home."How's my sister-in-law? How bad are her injuries?""They're severe, mostly to the head and abdomen, though her life isn't in danger. Her baby might not make it, and if it comes to it, the mother's life will take priority. Is that okay?"Hearing that Sophie had been seriously injured again, I felt like someone had hammered a steel fist into my chest.I held Henry tighter, tears streaming freely.After what felt like an eternity, Lionel finally muttered an apology. "Gracie, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you."I laughed bitterly. "What good is saying that now? Sophie's already hurt."He stepped closer and motioned for someone to take Henr

Elliot froze. But before he could process my words, Ava jumped in. "Gracie, if you just admitted you were wrong, Elliot wouldn't even be mad," she said. "After all, you're siblings. But shifting all the blame onto him? That's not fair. No matter what, he isn't at fault here."She lowered her gaze and pouted. "If it's really, as you say, Elliot's enemy seeking revenge, why is it that none of you were in any real danger? I know you all hate me. Don't worry. I'll be gone soon."Her words made Elliot's chest tighten with pain. His expression was full of concern. "I've thought it through. Why should I let you go? Now that the baby's gone, there's no reason to hold back for them. I'm sending them all away!"Ava wrapped her arms lightly around him. "That's not okay. I told you, I'll never put you in a difficult position. I care about you. It has nothing to do with your family. I don't want you spending money on me or arguing with your family because of me. I just want you safe and well."

When Elliot got the news, he rushed over, ready to catch Ava in the act.But she widened her eyes in disbelief. "Mr. Quinn, are you joking? I'm not your wife. What gives you the right to come at me like this?"She continued, "Besides, plenty of people like me. I can't just be with anyone who fancies me, can I? Plus, you rely on me to pay for your meals and clothes. Why should I be with you? You're broke."Elliot, unaccustomed to such insults, instantly flew into a rage.But the rich heir next to Ava had several bodyguards with him. They pinned Elliot to the ground and beat him until his face was bruised and swollen.Still, Elliot blamed everyone but himself. He even sent daily messages to insult me."We're siblings, and you just watched Dad treat me like this? Don't you feel sorry for our late mother?"Now he suddenly remembered we were siblings. That was something I had told him before, but he said he didn't have a sister like me.Some time later, Ava seemed to remember Lionel