Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 234

Chapter 234

Elara

The applause sounded far away. I’d beaten her. Not by much, but I’d scored higher than Sloane Kennedy.

Which meant I’d just made the finals infinitely more dangerous.

Through the crowd, I watched Sloane accept congratulations. She looked gracious, humble, one hand resting on her stomach. But when her eyes found mine,

the mask slipped.

What I saw wasn’t anger. It was colder than that. Calculated. Like she’d expected this. Planned for it.

She started moving toward me, and I made myself hold still instead of running.

“Congratulations,” she said, loud enough for people nearby to hear. Her hand came to rest on her belly. “Fourth place is wonderful. You must be so proud.”

“Thank you. Congratulations to you as well.”

‘I have to admit, I’m disappointed in my placement.” Her smile didn’t waver. “I’ve been holding back, you know. Pacing myself because of my condition. But the finals… She paused. “The finals, I won’t have that luxury. I’ll need to give everything. No more being cautious. No more mistakes.”

The threat was clear. She’d been playing with me. Now the real competition would start.

“I look forward to it,” I said, matching her smile. “A fair competition. May the best artist win.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly at the word “fair.”

“Of course. Though I do hope you’ll be more careful this time. It would be such a shame if anything… happened to your materials again. The organizers have done so much to ensure security, but accidents do still occur.”

Not quite a threat. Nothing I could prove. Just a reminder that she could still reach me.

She drifted away, absorbed back into her cluster of supporters. I stood there, fourth place certificate in my hand, watching her go.

The crowd was thinning. People gathering their things, heading for the exits. I needed to do the sa

same.

But first-

I glanced around. Most of the competitors had already left. The judges were in a huddle by the far wall, discussing something in low voices. A few staff members were starting to pack up equipment.

The glass booths stood empty now, doors propped open for cleaning crews.

Including Sloane’s.

I started walking, trying to look casual. Like I was just wandering, taking one last look at the competition space. My booth was in row three. Hers was in row one. Not that far. Just a few steps.

I made it to the second row before anyone noticed.

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9.11am

Chapter 234

0:41

“Excuse me, miss. A security guard stepped into my path. Young guy, probably my age, with the kind of polite–but–firm expression they must feach in security training. “Competition area is closed. You need to head to the exit.”

‘I know, I just–I think I left something in my booth. I gestured vaguely toward row three. “Just need to grab it real quick.”

All personal items were collected during the final sweep. If something’s missing, you can file a claim with the front desk.”

“It’s just a brush. A specific one. It was my grandmother’s.” The lie came easily. Too easily. “It has sentimental value.”

‘I’m sorry, but I can’t let you back into the competition area. Security protocol.” He pulled out a tablet, swiped through a few screens. “What’s your booth

number?”

3–C.

More swiping. Then he turned the screen toward me. Security footage, split into four angles, showing my booth. Showing me packing up. Showing me

leaving with my portfolio case and nothing else.

‘As you can see, you removed all your belongings. There’s nothing left in booth 3–C.”

My face went hot. “I must have been mistaken.”

“It happens. His tone was sympathetic but unyielding. “Stressful day. Easy to forget what you’ve already packed. But I’m going to need you to head to the

exit now.”

A second guard had appeared on my other side. Older woman, less sympathetic expression.

“Is there a problem?” she asked.

d

“No problem,” the first guard said. “Just helping Ms. Vance find her way out.”

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Reborn at Eighteen: The Billionaire’s Second Chance