Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Elara

mag

The music hit me like a physical force the moment I stepped inside

FLUX. Electronic beats pounded through massive speakers, vibrations

rattling my ribcage. Strobe lights sliced through clouds of artificial

fog in electric blue and hot pink. Bodies pressed together on the

dance floor, a writhing mass of designer clothes and expensive

cologne.

I pushed through the crowd, heartbeat hammering louder than the

bass. Every second wasted was another second Raven might be-

I shoved the thought away. Focused on moving forward.

The bar stretched along the far wall, backlit bottles glowing like

jewels. A young bartender in a black vest was mixing drinks,

movements practiced and smooth. I squeezed between two men in

suits, planted my hands on the marble counter.

“Excuse me.” I pitched my voice higher. Sharper. The way Victoria

always talked to service staff–like they existed solely for her

convenience. “I’m looking for someone.”

B

1/5

Chapter 104

The bartender glanced up. Took in my face, my posture.

I lifted my chin. Channeled every ounce of Victoria’s casual

arrogance. “A girl with purple hair. Where did she go?”

“Purple hair?” He set down the cocktail shaker. His eyes narrowed

slightly, assessing. “You mean Blake? She’s upstairs. VIP–7.”

The reverence in his voice when he said “VIP” made my stomach

clench. But I kept my expression bored. Entitled.

“Third floor?”

“Yes, miss.” He hesitated, then added quickly, “Can I get you anything

while you-”

I was already walking away.

The VIP area occupied the entire third floor. The stairs opened onto at

hallway carpeted in deep burgundy, walls hung with abstract art that

probably cost more than my year’s tuition. Recessed lighting cast

everything in amber shadows.

At the end of the corridor, a door marked with a small brass “7” stood

closed. A man built like a linebacker blocked the entrance, arms

crossed over his chest.

2/5

Chapter 104

I didn’t slow down. Strode right up to him like I owned the place.

He held up one meaty hand. “Private room, miss.”

“I know.” I met his eyes. Let ice creep into my voice. “I’m Victoria

Vane. I need to see whoever’s inside.”

Recognition flickered across his face. But instead of stepping aside,

he straightened. “I’ll need to check with my boss first.”

My pulse spiked. But I kept my expression haughty. Bored. “Fine. Tell

him Victoria Vane is here.”

The bouncer pulled out a phone. Turned slightly away, murmured

something I couldn’t quite hear. A pause. Then he nodded, pocketed

the phone.

“He says you can go in.”

He opened the door.

Smoke hung thick in the air inside. Grey leather couches formed a U-

shape around a glass coffee table littered with empty bottles and

crystal tumblers. Track lighting above cast harsh shadows.

And there, curled into the corner of the far sofa-

315

Chapter 104

Raven.

Her purple hair fell across her face in tangled strands. Eyes

unfocused, glazed. A purple silk dress I’d never seen her wear hung

loose on her shoulders. She was mumbling something I couldn’t make

out, fingers plucking weakly at the leather cushion.

The man beside her stood as I entered. Thirties. Greying at the

temples. Grey Armani suit that probably cost five figures. He set down

a phone–Raven’s phone, I realized with a jolt–and turned to face me

fully.

Dark eyes swept over me. Head to toe.

“Victoria Vane.” His voice was smooth. Amused. “Interesting.”

He took a step closer. Then another. His gaze sharp, assessing.

“Except you’re not Victoria at all, are you?”

My blood turned to ice.

“You’re His eyes narrowed. “-the little charity case. The one living

with the Vanes.” A cold smile spread across his face. “Elara, isn’t it?”

Panic clawed up my throat. But I forced it down. Forced my brain to

4/5

Chapter 104

work.

“I-”

–“My voice came out too high. I cleared my throat. Started again. “I

only said that because the bouncer wouldn’t let me in otherwise.”

“Is that so?” He tilted his head. “And why exactly did you need to get

in here so badly?”