Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 211

Chapter 211

Elara

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But sorry couldn’t change the past. Sorry couldn’t bring back my daughter or undo all the times he’d stood by while I was destroyed. Sorry

was just a word, and words had never been enough to save me before.

The moment shattered when someone knocked sharply on the door. Julian pulled back immediately, his professional mask sliding back into place with practiced ease, though I could see the strain around his eyes, the reluctance in the way his hands lingered on my

shoulders before falling away. I wiped at my face hastily, trying to compose myself, but I knew I must look like hell–eyes swollen, face

blotchy, hospital gown hanging off one shoulder.

The door swung open without waiting for permission, and Ethan strode in with two police officers flanking him–a middle–aged man with

a weathered face and a younger woman with her hair pulled back in a severe bun. Ethan’s eyes went immediately to Julian standing beside

my bed, then to me with my tear–stained face, and his expression twisted into something ugly.

“Julian,” he said, voice dripping with contempt. “Sloane is upstairs worried sick about you, and here you are with the woman who tried to

kill her? His gaze raked over me with open disgust. “Touching.

Julian’s entire demeanor changed in an instant, shoulders squaring, jaw setting into a hard line. “Watch your tone, Ethan.”

“Or what?” Ethan took a step closer, hands clenched at his sides. “You’ll threaten me too? Add me to the list of people you’ve intimidated

or paid off to protect your little-

“That’s enough.” The female officer’s voice cut through the rising tension like a blade. She moved betwee

placating gesture. “Mr. Holt, we’re here to conduct an investigation, not to make accusations. And Mr. V

to step outside while we speak with Ms. Vance.”

hand raised in a

to have to ask you

Julian’s jaw tightened further, but he nodded curtly. His eyes found mine one last time, and I saw something there that made my chest

ache–worry, and reluctance, and that same raw concern I’d seen when he was holding me. Then he turned and walked out without

another word, brushing past Ethan hard enough to make the other man stumble.

The door closed behind him with a soft click that felt impossibly final. I was alone now with Ethan and two police officers, all three of

them looking at me with varying degrees of suspicion and hostility. My body felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, exhaustion dragging

at every limb, but I forced myself to sit up straighter, to meet their eyes with as much dignity as I could muster

The female officer pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down, her expression neutral but not unkind. Ms. Vance, Em Officer Brown,

and this is Officer Martinez. We’re here to investigate the incident that occurred last night at the Kennedy estate. Before we begin, I need

to ask–are you feeling well enough to answer some questions? We can wait if you need more time to recover

I shook my head, my voice coming out rough but steady. I’m fine. I want to do this now. I want everyone to hear what really happened.

Officer Brown nodded slowly, pulling out a small notebook. All right. But I should inform you that anything you say can and will be used

in the investigation. You have the right to have an attorney present if you’d like.”

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11:08 Sat, Mar 28

Chapter 211

“I don’t need a lawyer. The words came out harder than I’d intended. “I didn’t do anything wrong. I have nothing to hide

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Ethan made a derisive sound from where he stood by the door, arms crossed over his chest. Officer Martinez shot him a warning look before turning back to me. “Mr. Holt has already given us his statement. According to him, you pushed Ms. Kennedy into the pool out of jealousy, then attempted to pull her underwater when she tried to help you. Can you tell us your version of events?”

The clinical way he said it, like it was just a story with different versions rather than my word against Sloane’s elaborate lie, made something cold and hard settle in my stomach. But I’d known it would be like this. I’d known that with her money and her connections and her perfect victim act, she’d have everyone on her side before I even opened my mouth.

I took a deep breath, ignoring the way it made my damaged lungs burn, and looked Officer Brown straight in the eye. ‘I was standing by the pool. I wasn’t even near the edge–I was back by the tables because I don’t swim and I’m afraid of deep water. Sloane came up to me. She grabbed my wrist.” I held up my arm, showing the faint bruises that were already forming in the shape of fingers. “She pushed me. I lost my balance and fell into the water.”

And then what happened? Officer Brown’s pen moved across the page, taking notes without judgment.

‘I couldn’t breathe. I can’t swim–ask anyone who knows me, my roommates, my teachers, anyone from the Vane household. I’ve been terrified of water since I nearly drowned when I was sixteen. My voice shook slightly and I had to pause, swallow hard, force the words out. “I was trying to get to the surface, trying to breathe, but I didn’t know how. And then I felt someone grab my ankle. I thought–I

thought someone was helping me.”

The memory made my chest tighten with phantom panic. “But it was Sloane. She was pulling me down. Holding me under while she screamed for help up above, making it look like I was the one attacking her.”

“That’s bullshit!” Ethan exploded from his position by the door. “Sloane is pregnant! Why the hell would she risk her baby’s life to attack

you? What possible reason-

“Mr. Holt. Officer Martinez’s voice was sharp as a whip. “If you can’t control yourself, I’m going to have to ask you to wait outside.”

Ethan’s face flushed dark red, but he bit back whatever he’d been about to say, jaw working with barely suppressed rage. I could feel his hatred like a physical weight pressing down on me, making it hard to breathe, but I forced myself to keep going.

‘I know how it sounds,” I said quietly, looking at Officer Brown. “I know it seems crazy. Why would a pregnant woman and try to drown someone? But I’m telling you the truth. And I can prove it.”

a pool

That got their attention. Officer Martinez leaned forward slightly. “How?”