Rebirth Snatching Back My Stolen Luck novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

LILITH

Dean’s appearance threw me into confusion.

He wasn’t supposed to be here.

At least, not according to my memories from my past life–he hadn’t attended this banquet

In fact, I’d never once crossed paths with him. To me, he was just a familiar stranger- someone whose name occasionally came up during conversations with Brandon’s family.

Often with anger and resentment.

The last I’d heard of him before I died was the story about how he handled the inheritance his paternal grandfather left him.

To the shock of many, he’d donated the entire fortune to charity. Some praised him for it. Others mocked him and called him a fool.

And then there was the third group–those who cursed him.

Brandon and his parents belonged to the last group.

That had been one of the rare moments they dropped their usual prim and proper facade in front of me.

But that was then. All in the past.

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Chapter 12

288 Vouchers

The real question now was why had someone I’d never encountered in my previous life suddenly appeared before me?

Was this the butterfly effect?

A change brought about by my rebirth?

Urgency burned in my chest. I wanted to ask May about it right away, but I knew this wasn’t the time.

I couldn’t afford to be distracted.

First, I needed to understand what Dean was up to, and what exactly he meant by saying that to my father.

“What are you trying to do?” I asked in a low, furious whisper.

“Helping you,” he murmured, leaning down so close I felt his breath graze my ear. “From the looks of it, your parents still haven’t changed their minds about marrying you off to your cheating fiancé.”

“But what if-” his tone became lower and conspiratorial “a new, unexpected player enters the game and throws them off guard?”

He drew back slightly. “So unless you have a solid plan ready… play along with me. Think of it as buying time–until you come up with something better.”

“Of course,” he added with a faint smirk, “if you don’t mind staying engaged to Brandon a little longer, feel free to ignore me.”

Just the thought of continuing to bear the label of that scum’s fiancée made my stomach churn.

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Chapter 12

No way.

So yes. He had a point. His proposal was tempting.

But still…

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“Why are you helping me?” I asked, my eyes searching his. “What’s your real agenda?”

I wasn’t naïve enough to believe someone, no different from a stranger, would offer help without wanting something in return.

Instead of answering, he tapped me lightly on the forehead, amusement and some other unreadable emotion in his gaze. “So young and already this mistrustful. I wonder what you’ve been through.”

The way he sounded as though I was a wayward child, and he, the elder, almost made me roll

my eyes.

If only he knew my

mental

age.

“Sometimes, the answer to a problem isn’t as complicated as you think, Lily” he added, seeing that I still look unconvinced.

Forget it. He was right. I had no better option right now. And frankly, I wasn’t sure I had anything of enough value for him to be scheming after.

For me, any choice was better than being tied to Brandon.

“Okay,” I said after a moment’s hesitation.

He smiled. “Good girl.”

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Chapter 12

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288 Vouchers

The exchange between us had taken only a few seconds.

Then, I took his hand and walked up the stairs to the raised stage at the head of the ballroom.

Gripping the microphone, I faced the crowd.

“Everyone, may I have your attention, please?”

The room quieted at once.

“I know tonight’s events have been… unexpected. Different from what you were all expecting when you accepted the invitation. For that, on behalf of my family, I sincerely apologize.” I bowed slightly.

Straightening up again, I continued, “But now that things have come this far, there are a few things I need to make clear.”

“First, my engagement to Brandon Scott is officially off the table. I refuse to marry him, under any circumstances.”

Below the stage, Paula’s face contorted as she shrieked, “It’s not your place to decide that!”

My mom’s face had darkened too. “Lilith, stop this nonsense and come down this instant!”

I ignored them both.

“It’s clear to anyone here that Mr. Brandon and his beloved, Miss Claire Brooks, are deeply in love.” I deliberately emphasized ‘beloved,‘ my eyes locking with Brandon’s gloomy gaze.

He looked as if he still hadn’t figured out how I and everything else, changed so much in a single night.

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Chapter 12

I turned to the crowd.

“Unfortunately, it seems my rumored engagement with him led them to keep their relationship a secret, which in turn resulted in tonight’s situation.”

“For that, I also offer my apologies.”

“Why are you apologizing? It’s clearly their fault!” someone shouted,

“Exactly! You’re the victim here, Lilith!”

I couldn’t help but smile.

Having other people’s genuine support felt surprisingly… warm.

“Thank you for your kind words,” I said, bowing again. “Now that I’ve stepped aside. I hope Mr. Brandon and Miss Claire can pursue their relationship freely. I wish them a loving, long- lasting future.”

My words were followed with booing noise.

“On that note,” I said, pausing for effect, “I have another announcement to make.”

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