Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 269

Chapter 269

Elara

“Then I’ll deal with it. I won’t build my life on another lie.” He reached over, finding my hand. “I’m done with lies, Elara. All of them.”

I squeezed his hand.

“Did anyone else visit her?” I asked. “Before today?”

Julian’s expression darkened. “Victoria came once. Cried for an hour about how unfair everything was, then left and hasn’t been back.” He paused. “Tristan

visits regularly.

After leaving the facility, we went to Julian’s apartment. Julian moved through the space with practiced efficiency, loosening his tie and rolling up his sleeves while I settled onto the leather sofa, still processing what I’d witnessed. Sloane’s panic when he’d mentioned the DNA test had been visceral,

unmistakable.

“Her reaction was telling,” I said, breaking the silence. “She was terrified. Not just uncomfortable–genuinely afraid of what that test might show.”

He set his cufflinks on the side table with deliberate care, then crossed to pour two glasses of water. When he handed me one, his fingers brushed mine. “I noticed. If the baby were mine, she should have welcomed the confirmation. Instead, she looked like I’d just announced her execution.”

I took a sip, letting the cool water soothe my throat. “At first, I suspected Ethan. Even though they had broken up, he remained protective of her. But Ethan hasn’t visited her once since she was admitted. Not once. But Tristan-”

“Has been a regular visitor.” Julian’s jaw tightened, the muscle jumping beneath his skin. “My own brother. If that child is his, he should stand up like a man and take responsibility instead of letting me be the convenient scapegoat.”

The bitterness in his voice cut through the air between us. I watched him rake a hand through his hair, disturbing the careful styling until dark strands fell

across his forehead.

“What are you thinking?” I asked quietly.

He turned to face me fully, and I saw the calculation flickering behind his eyes. “I’m thinking we need to test Tristan’s reaction. See if he reveals something

when he believes no one’s watching.”

‘How?”

A ghost of a smile touched his lips, though it held no warmth. “By making him believe I’m about to abandon the child entirely. If he truly is the father, he

won’t be able to stay silent.”

I considered this, turning the glass in my hands. “You want to perform for him. Make him think you’re washing your hands of it.

“Exactly. We’ll go to Blackwood tomorrow. I’ll make sure he overhears me discussing my decision–something about how I refuse to let a woman who used deception to trap me manipulate the family legacy.”

“And if we’re wrong?”

*Then we wait for the DNA test after the baby’s born.” He reached over and covered my hand with his. “But I don’t think we’re wrong.

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4:10 pm

Chapter 269

ppp.

The next afternoon, Atlas picked me up at one. I was surprised to find Julian already in the back seat rather than waiting at Blackwood.

‘Change of plans?” I asked as I slid in beside him.

Slight adjustment. I want us to arrive together. It’ll reinforce that we’re a united front.”

The drive took forty minutes. As we turned onto the long driveway, Julian’s phone buzzed.

“Tristan’s there,” he reported. “In the study with Grandfather, just as expected.”

My heart rate picked up as the mansion came into view. The Gothic Revival architecture still managed to look imposing despite the cheerful weather, all

those dark stones and pointed arches suggesting secrets and old money.

We entered through the main doors, and I was struck by how quiet the house was. No staff bustling about, no sounds of family members. Just the hollow

echo of our footsteps on marble.

“Where is everyone?” I whispered.

“I asked the staff to take the afternoon off. The fewer witnesses to this, the better.”

As we approached the study, I could hear voices–Mr. Vane Senior’s distinctive rasp and Tristan’s smoother tones. Julian paused just outside the open door, turning to me with a questioning look. I nodded.

“Atlas?” Julian called out casually. “Is my grandfather available?‘

The conversation inside stopped abruptly. Tristan appeared in the doorway, his expression when he saw me immediate and visceral–a flash of disgust quickly masked by careful neutrality.

‘Julian. We weren’t expecting you. Or… company.”

I need to speak with Grandfather. It’s about Sloane. About the arrangements I’ve made for the child.”

“What arrangements? The question came out sharper than Tristan probably intended.

Julian’s expression hardened slightly. “This concerns family assets and inheritance structures, which makes it Grandfather’s business. He paused. “I’ve decided to terminate all the provisions I’d set up for Sloane’s baby. I won’t allow a woman who used deception and manipulation to trap me into fatherhood

to claim any part of the Vane legacy.”

The effect was instantaneous. Tristan’s face went white, then flushed. Julian, you can’t do that! That’s your child! You can’t just He stopped abruptly.

seeming to realize he’d revealed too much.

Julian took a step closer, his expression shifting to something colder, more predatory Interesting Tell me something, Tristan Why are you so agitated Sloane herself isn’t affected–she’ll still receive her settlement. It’s only the child who loses inheritance rights. He cocked his head. If anything, you should be celebrating. One less competitor for the Vane fortune. You should be the person most enger to see my child disinherited.”

Tristan’s mouth opened and closed. Sweat had begun to bead at his hairline. “That’s not I don’t-

‘Or perhaps you’ve forgotten our last conversation about Sloane. Several months ago, when I first told you I was planning to end the engagement. You were quite passionate.” He paused. “You said you wouldn’t let me abandon her. That you’d make me regret breaking her heart.”

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4:10 pm

Chapter 269

PPP.

The color drained from Tristan’s face. His hand reached out to brace against the doorframe.

So what changed? Why aren’t you threatening me now? Where’s all that righteous anger on Sloane’s behalf? Julian leaned in closer. ‘Unless you’re terrified because you know it might not be mine to abandon in the first place.”

“No,” Tristan managed weakly. “I just… the child is innocent. Children shouldn’t suffer for their parents‘ mistakes-

“How noble.” Julian interrupted, his tone razor–sharp. Suddenly concerned about innocent children. How very unlike the man who helped Victoria cover up her assault on Elara.” He paused. Try again, brother. And this time, try the truth.”

Mr. Vane Senior had appeared behind Tristan now, his expression unreadable but his attention laser–focused.

“When the DNA test happens,” Julian continued relentlessly, “I’m going to personally oversee every step. I’ll be there when they swab the baby’s cheek. I’ll watch them seal the sample. I’ll ensure chain of custody is maintained all the way to the lab. He watched his brother’s reaction. “There won’t be any room for doubt. Just cold, hard scientific fact about whose genetic material that child carries.

Tristan’s face had gone gray–green. His grip on the doorframe was the only thing keeping him upright.

Mr. Vane Senior’s cane struck the floor with a sharp crack. “Enough. Tristan. Answer your brother’s question. Is there something you need to tell us?”

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