Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 155

Julian’s hand slammed against the wall beside my head, making me

flinch.

“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I? I know she’s talented. I know she deserves better than being

someone’s secret shame.” Marcus’s smile widened. “And I know that

right now, she’s with me, not you.”

Something snapped in Julian’s expression. Before I could react, he had turned fully toward me, his hand sliding into my hair as he pulled

me into a kiss. I gasped against his mouth, my hands coming up instinctively to push against his chest, but he only deepened the kiss, his other hand gripping my waist hard enough to bruise.

When he finally pulled back, I was dizzy, disoriented, my lips swollen and my breathing ragged. He kept his forehead pressed against mine.

“You’re not his. You never will be.”

Behind him, Marcus laughed.

“Well, I have to admit, I didn’t think I’d actually get to see the great

1/5

Chapter 155

Julian Vane lose his composure. The family pride really does have its

limits, doesn’t it?”

Julian’s grip on me tightened for a moment before he slowly released me, turning to face Marcus with an expression that had gone cold and

deadly.

“This doesn’t concern you.”

“Oh, but it does. Because Elara came to me for help.” Marcus paused. “So yes, Julian, this very much concerns me.”

“You’re using her. You don’t give a damn about her art or her future.”

“Maybe. Or maybe I just recognize talent when I see it and don’t feel the need to keep it locked away like some dirty secret.”

I felt Julian tense beside me. I knew if I didn’t intervene, this was going to escalate into something worse.

“Stop. Both of you, just stop.”

They both turned to look at me. I took a breath, trying to steady

myself.

“Marcus, you said you’d consider giving me the award slot if I came

2/5

Chapter 155

tonight. Are you still willing to do that?”

Marcus’s expression shifted, something calculating entering his eyes.

“I said I’d consider it. But I’m afraid the situation has changed

somewhat.”

My stomach dropped.

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” he gestured between Julian and me, “it’s become clear that your relationship with Julian is more complicated than you led me to believe. And I’m not particularly interested in getting caught in the middle of whatever this is.” He straightened his cuffs. “I think it’s best

if we end our arrangement here.”

“You can’t-”

“I can, actually. And I am.” His smile was almost apologetic. “I’m sorry, Elara. You’re talented, truly. But I don’t make a habit of investing in complications.” He glanced at Julian. “And you, my friend, are definitely a complication.”

“You promised!” The words burst out of me, desperate and raw. “You

said if I came tonight, if I played along with your game, you’d give me

3/5

Chapter 155

the slot. You promised!”

Marcus had the decency to look slightly uncomfortable, but his

expression remained firm.

“I said I’d consider it. I never made any guarantees.”

“You lying piece of ” I took a step toward him, fury overriding every

other emotion. “You used me. You knew exactly what you were doing,

you knew Julian would be here, you just wanted to-”

“To prove a point. Which I did. And now I’m done.” He looked past me

to Julian. “She’s all yours, Vane. Try not to fuck it up this time.”

Then he was walking away, leaving me standing there with hands

my

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify