She Chose Him Now She Wants Me Back novel Chapter 271

Chapter 271

“You may marry whoever you wish,‘ the old man said finally. “On one condition. You renounce your claim to the Vane fortune. You leave this family. You make your own way in the world, without our name, without our money, without our connections. Then you can have your precious Sloane and her questionable child.”

Tristan’s face went white. “You can’t–I’m a Vane. This is my inheritance-

“Your inheritance, Mr. Vane Senior said, his voice cutting like a blade, “is contingent on your loyalty to this family. You forfeited that the moment you helped that woman drug Julian. So make your choice, Tristan. The money or the girl. You can’t have both.”

I watched Tristan’s face cycle through emotions–shock, desperation, calculation. His mouth opened and closed several times, and I saw the exact moment when self–preservation won over love. His shoulders sagged. His gaze dropped to the floor.

“I…” His voice came out barely above a whisper. “I can’t. I can’t give up everything. Not for- He broke off, unable to finish.

“Not for her, Julian finished, his voice flat with disgust. “Not even for your own child, if it is yours. You’d rather have the money and the name than take responsibility for what you’ve done.”

Tristan said nothing. He just stood there, blood dripping from his chin, looking smaller and more pathetic than I’d ever imagined the polished Tristan Vane

could look.

Mr. Vane Senior’s expression hardened further. “Then you’ve made your choice. And I’ve made mine.” He turned to face his younger grandson fully. “You’re an adult, Tristan. If you want money, you can earn it yourself. The Vane family will no longer support you financially. Your trust fund is frozen as of this moment. Your credit cards will be cancelled by tomorrow. You have one week to remove your belongings from this house and find your own accommodation.”

“Grandfather, no- Tristan’s voice cracked. “Please, I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I’ll-

“You had your chance to do better,” the old man interrupted. “You had your chance to be a man, to take responsibility for your actions, to choose honor over comfort. You failed.” He paused, and for just a moment, I saw something that might have been grief flicker across his weathered face. “You’re not the grandson I thought you were. You’re not a Vane in any way that matters.

“Please.” Tristan was openly crying now, tears mixing with the blood on his face. “Don’t do this. I’ll fix it. I’ll make it right. Just give me another chance-

But Mr. Vane Senior had already turned away, his cane tapping against the marble as he made his way toward the grand staircase. “You have one week, he said without looking back. “After that, if you’re still here, I’ll have you removed by security.”

“Grandfather!” Tristan’s voice rose to a desperate shout. “Please! I’m your grandson! You can’t just-

The old man paused at the base of the stairs, his back still to Tristan. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then, so quietly I almost didn’t hear it: ‘You stopped being my grandson the moment you helped drug Julian. Now you’re just a stranger wearing our name.”

He climbed the stairs slowly, each step deliberate and final. Tristan stood frozen in the hallway, watching him go, blood and tears staining his expensive clothes. When Mr. Vane Senior disappeared from view, Tristan’s legs finally gave out completely. He collapsed against the wall, sliding down until he was sitting on the floor again, his face buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with sobs.

Julian watched his brother for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he turned to me and took my hand. Let’s go.”

As we walked toward the entrance, I heard Tristan’s voice behind us, broken and pleading. Julian. Julian, please. Talk to him. Tell him I’m sorry. Please.

Julian didn’t look back. “You made your choice, Tristan. Now live with it.”

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3:11 pm

Chapter 271

ppp.

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