Rebirth Snatching Back My Stolen Luck novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

DEAN

285 Woudhurs

My heart was full of helplessness as I looked at Callum, sitting directly across from me in a silent starcoff contest.

He’d barged into my apartment early this morning–the downside of having neighboring units -and yet, hadn’t said a single word.

Even my favorite coffee was starting to taste bland under the weight of his stare.

In the end, I gave in.

Setting down my cup, I said, “Out with it already. If I have to endure your intense staring for a moment longer, I’m afraid I’ll have goosebumps popping out of my skin.”

He didn’t reply. Just kept narrowing his eyes at me like I owed him something unknown.

I sighed tiredly and rubbed my forehead. “I’m begging you, okay? Just say whatever’s on your mind and let me have some peace.”

Callum studied me for a few more seconds, then finally spoke.

“What did you do at the banquet last night?”

“That’s what this is about?” I exhaled in relief. I’d thought it was something worse.

“I should’ve known better than to let you go alone,” he muttered, then shot me a glare. “But who knew you’d land yourself in that much mess in a single night?”

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Chapter 19

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“All I did was find myself a fiancée. How exactly is that a mess?” I replied, slouching back into the couch

“Yeah–none other than your half–brother’s fiancée,” Callum shot back. “Even a toddler in Emerald City knows the Caldwells and Scotts are practically joined at the hip.”

you

“If you still had any real ties to the Scotts, maybe it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But don‘ 1. As far as they’re concerned, you’re an outsider now. Just that fact alone is enough for them to never acknowledge last night’s engagement.”

He paused, then concluded. “In short, you’re stepping into muddy waters by getting involved with Lilith.”

At the mention of ‘half–brother,‘ a flash of darkness crossed my eyes, but I didn’t interrupt him and let him finish.

Only then did I say with a drawl, my eyes half–closed. “Don’t call him that in my presence.”

I didn’t explicitly say who the ‘he‘ was. But I was sure Callum would catch on–and also know I was deadly serious when I said that.

“Sorry, my bad,” he apologized, then continued.

“But seriously–why would you do something so risky when you barely know the girl?”

“And what the hell was that about an engagement promise made back when Aunt was still married to the Scotts?”

“If I remember correctly, the original plan was for you and Marissa, not Lilith as you insinuated. But since she was two years older than you, they postponed it. Then you left the country.”

“You’re right,” I said lazily. “But neither Mr. Caldwell nor that man objected last night, so it

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Chapter 15

worked out in the end. No need to fuss over the details.”

I paused mid–thought and sat up straighter as I realized something amiss.

“Wait… how did you know what I said? You weren’t there.”

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Callum scoffed. “I wasn’t, but others were.” He pulled out his phone, tapped a few times, and turned the screen toward me. “See for yourself.”

A video clip from the banquet was playing.

I frowned.

I’d noticed a few people filming, but I’d assumed the Caldwells or the Scotts would’ve done damage control by now. But, clearly, I’d overestimated them.

“How far has it spread?” I asked, my expression growing serious.

Callum leaned back, his expression relaxed and calm.

“Not far. Luckily, Adeline spotted it before it gained traction.”

He paused. “You remember Adeline, right? My secretary.”

“Of course,” I nodded. “Go on.”

“She happened to see the clip while watching short clips, and immediately called to notify me. If not for her, do you think I’d be here at the crack of dawn when I could be catching up on sleep for a few more minutes?”

“Sorry,” I apologized halfheartedly. “Did you get it taken down?”

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Chapter 15

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“Obviously. It only takes a few minutes for something to go viral. If I hadn’t acted immediately, we’d be cleaning up a mess right now.”

Relieved, I sank back into the couch. “Thanks, bro.”

“I don’t want your empty thanks,” he said flatly. “Cover my workload for the next two days. Then I’ll believe you mean it.”

I chuckled. “I have a better idea–how about I speed up the launch of the new branch so you can rake in a fortune sooner?”

Callum didn’t look surprised. “Lazy bum.”

Then his eyes narrowed again. “You looked nervous about the video earlier. Why? Was it because of your mom?”

Not really. Mom wouldn’t waste her time worrying about me mingling with the Scotts.

Still, since he’d assumed that on his own, I let it go. Better that, than having to endure more grilling from him.

But Callum was Callum. Twenty–plus years of friendship meant he read me like an open book.

“That’s not it,” he said with certainty.

Then his gaze sharpened. “Don’t tell me… it’s because of your flash fiancée?”

I didn’t truly intend to hide it, just lazy, so I nodded.

His expression changed into solemnity.

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Chapter 15

“Be honest with me, Dean. What’s your real intention in approaching her?”

“You’re not trying to get involved in the inheritance fight through her, are you?”

I rolled my eyes. “Do I look that idle?”

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