Reborn at Eighteen The Billionaire's Second Chance novel Chapter 96

Reborn at Eighteen: The Billionaire’s Second

Chapter 96

Elara

At lunch, other students gathered around Raven’s desk. She explained

her project. Hands moving through the air.

“Emotional recognition software. The installation changes color and shape based on viewers‘ facial expressions.”

“Machine learning algorithms. Real–time response.”

Her voice carried passion. Intelligence. The spark that would make

her dangerous to people like Julian and Sloane.

I stood. Walked over.

“That’s interaction design,” I said quietly. “You’re creating

participatory art.”

Raven looked up. Studied me.

“You actually know what you’re talking about?”

“Some. I’m interested in new media. Digital art’s future.”

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Chapter 96

She watched me for five seconds. Then nodded at an empty chair.

“Sit. I’ll show you.”

For the next twenty minutes, she walked me through her vision. Creating living art. Systems that respond to human presence. Breaking down the wall between artist and audience.

I listened. Remembered.

“Where will you exhibit it?” I asked.

“Tech–art festivals. Maybe some gallery shows.” She shrugged. “Still in

development.”

“It’s brilliant.”

She leaned back. Arms crossed. “You trying to butter me up?”

“No. I mean it.”

“Why?”

“Because…” I chose words carefully. “Because I think the future of art

is in technology. And you’re ahead of everyone.”

Chapter 96

Raven stared at me. Then her expression shifted. Less guarded.

“You’re not like the other rich kids.”

“I’m not really rich.”

“But you’re Vane family.”

“Adopted. Father was their housekeeper.”

Something flickered in her eyes. Understanding maybe.

“Still. You could be fake. So I’m watching you.”

“Fair enough.”

She nodded. Turned back to her screen.

But when the bell rang, she called after me.

“Elara. Tomorrow. If you want, come watch me test this thing.”

My heart lifted.

“I will. Thanks.”

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Chapter 96

She nodded once. Shouldered her bag. Left.

I packed my things slowly. The classroom emptied around me.

For the first time in days, something felt right.

After school, I walked out the main entrance.

The black Mercedes S–Class waited at the curb.

My stomach dropped.

Atlas stood by the rear door. Saw me. Straightened.

I walked over on numb legs. Everything Julian had said this morning

echoing in my head.

“Atlas will pick you up from school. Bring you here when I need you.‘

The door opened.

Julian sat inside. Phone in hand. Eyes on the screen.

Chapter 96

I slid in. The leather seat was cold against my legs.

Atlas closed the door. Got in front. Started driving.

Julian didn’t look up. His thumb moved across the phone screen. Responding to messages probably. His jaw was tight. The muscle

there twitching slightly.

I gripped my bag. Stared out the window.

The silence stretched. Heavy. Suffocating.

My body hurt. Cramps twisting deeper. Nausea climbing my throat.

I pressed my hand against my abdomen. Tried to breathe through it.

Julian’s eyes flicked toward me. Just for a second. Then back to his

phone.

But I saw it. That brief glance. Quick assessment.

He put the phone down. Turned toward me slightly.

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