Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 113

I couldn’t breathe.

“All told, I’d estimate we’ve spent well over a hundred and fifty

thousand dollars on your upbringing. Your father left approximately

forty–two thousand after funeral expenses.” His smile was thin, cold.

“So you see, Miss Vance, not only is there nothing left–the Vane

family is actually owed a considerable sum. Though of course, we

would never dream of asking you to repay our… generosity.”

The word “generosity” landed like a slap.

Around us, the murmurs started. Soft at first, then growing.

“Well, that’s quite decent of them…”

“All these years, raising someone else’s child…”

“And this is the thanks they get? Making a scene at the old man’s

birthday?”

I felt each whisper like needles under my skin. My hands were

1/5

Chapter 113

shaking. I pressed them against my thighs, tried to make myself

smaller, tried to disappear into the expensive marble floor.

But I couldn’t.

“That’s not ” My voice cracked. I forced it steady. “My father saved

your life. You told me yourself. That money was his life insurance

payout. It was meant for my education. You had no right—”

“I had every right.” Mr. Vane Senior’s voice cut across mine like a

knife. “I was your legal guardian. Your father’s will specified that the

funds be held in trust until you graduated high school. Under my

discretion. Which I exercised. Responsibly. For your benefit.”

“You spent it on yourselves!” The words burst out before I could stop

them. “Half those expenses are fabricated! I paid for my own art

supplies with money I earned tutoring! I never asked for piano

lessons–Victoria did!”

“Enough.” The single word, spoken softly, somehow carried across the

entire room. Mr. Vane Senior’s expression didn’t change, but

something in his eyes went arctic. “You’re making a spectacle of

yourself, child. Perhaps it’s best if you retire for the evening. You’re

clearly overwrought.”

“I’m not overwrought. I’m-

Chapter 113

A hand closed around my elbow. Firm. Warm through the thin fabric

of my dress.

Julian.

“Come on.” His voice was low. Dangerous. Not quite angry, but close.

“Let’s get you upstairs.”

“I’m not finished-”

“Yes.” His fingers tightened. Just slightly. Just enough to send a

warning through my nerves. “You are.”

I tried to pull away. His grip didn’t budge.

Mr. Vane Senior cleared his throat. When I looked back, his face had

transformed. The cold fury was gone, replaced by grandfatherly

concern. It was masterful. Horrifying.

“Please forgive her, everyone. The young are so passionate, aren’t

they? She’s had a difficult few weeks. I’m sure she’ll feel better after

some rest.” He gestured vaguely toward the stairs. “Julian, see that

your sister gets settled. Make sure she has everything she needs.”

Sister.

3/5

Chapter 113

The word made me want to vomit.

Julian’s hand moved from my elbow to the small of my back.

Inexorable. Guiding me forward. I had no choice but to move or be

dragged.

The crowd parted for us like water. I caught glimpses of their faces as

we passed. Some sympathetic. Most pitying. A few openly

contemptuous.

I heard Victoria’s laugh, bright and cruel, from somewhere near the

terrace doors.

My heels caught on the marble. Julian’s hand steadied me. Kept me

upright. Kept me moving.

Up the grand staircase. Each step felt like climbing to my execution.

We turned down the second–floor corridor. The sounds of the party

faded behind us, replaced by thick, suffocating silence. The hallway

stretched ahead, lined with family portraits. Generations of Vanes

staring down at me with cold, judgmental eyes.

Julian didn’t let go until we’d rounded the corner. Until we were

completely out of sight of the ballroom below.

4/5

Chapter 113

Then his hand dropped.

I jerked away from him, my breath coming too fast. “You can’t just—”

“What the hell were you thinking?” He turned on me, and the careful

control he’d maintained downstairs cracked. “Making a scene like

that? In front of half of New York society?”

Comments

Write Comments

SHARE

5/5