The Glitch In Our Stars

Chapter 21: The Lion's Den

If the Vane estate was a glass fortress of the future, the Vance manor was a crumbling monument to the past. It was a sprawling Victorian estate with ivy choking the brickwork and a roof that leaked every time someone mentioned the word "mortgage."

"Okay," Aria said, smoothing her dress as they pulled up the gravel driveway. "My parents—Arthur and Catherine—are... traditional. They believe in the 'Vance Legacy.' They think we’re still the wealthiest family in the county, even though my dad sold the antique silver last month to pay for my brother’s private tutoring."

"I can do traditional," Julian said, adjusting his thrift-store tie. He was back in his 'Broke Hacker' persona, hiding his multi-billion dollar watch in his pocket. "I’ll be the charming, scholarship-student orphan they can feel superior to."

They stepped into the grand foyer. The air smelled of beeswax and desperation.

"Aria, darling!" Catherine Vance floated down the stairs, her pearls clicking. "And this must be the... young man from the internet. Julian, was it? We’ve heard so much about your... unique upbringing."

"It’s an honor, Mrs. Vance," Julian said, playing the part of the humble student perfectly.

Then, a tall figure stepped out of the shadows of the library. He was wearing a silk robe and holding a glass of sparkling cider like it was rare vintage wine.

"Well, well," the voice drawled. "If it isn't the 'Glitch Hunter' who broke into my Summit."

Julian’s entire body went rigid. His eyes darkened, and his hands balled into fists. In one fluid, predatory motion, Julian lunged forward. Before anyone could blink, he had the figure pinned against a mahogany bookshelf, his forearm pressed firmly against the man’s throat.

"You," Julian hissed, his voice dropping into a dangerous, protective growl. "You touch her again, you leak one more file, and I will erase your entire existence from the grid. Do you understand me, Leo?"

"Julian, stop!" Catherine screamed, dropping her fan.

Aria didn't move. She leaned against the doorframe, crossed her arms, and started to laugh. Not a polite giggle—a full, soul-deep belly laugh.

"Julian, honey," Aria gasped, wiping a tear from her eye. "Meet my big brother. Leo Vance. 'Leo King' was just his gaming handle because he thought it sounded more 'intimidating' to his crypto-buddies."

Julian froze. He looked at the struggling man in his grip, then back at Aria. "Brother? This... this snake who tried to cancel you is your brother?"

"Ugh... get... off... me..." Leo wheezed, his face turning a vibrant shade of purple.

Julian slowly released him. Leo slumped to the floor, adjusting his silk robe with a huff of indignation. "It’s called 'sibling rivalry,' Vane! I wasn't going to actually ruin her. I just wanted to see her sweat a little. She’s too perfect; it’s annoying!"

"He’s been doing this since I was five, Julian," Aria said, walking over to pat Leo’s head mockingly. "He hidden-cammed my prom proposal. He told the entire middle school I still slept with a nightlight. The 'Tech Summit' was just his way of 'testing' my new boyfriend."

Julian looked horrified. "Testing me? I almost called an international hit-squad on him!"

"And I appreciate the sentiment, truly," Aria smiled, kissing Julian’s cheek. "But Leo’s harmless. He’s a genius, but he’s a massive dork who lives in our attic."

The Dinner from Hell:

The dinner that followed was a masterclass in social tension. Arthur Vance spent the first three courses subtly insulting Julian’s "lack of prospects."

"So, Julian," Arthur said, cutting into a very small, very expensive piece of steak. "Aria tells us you’re interested in computers. It’s a fine hobby. But a Vance woman requires... stability. A name. A foundation. I’m afraid a boy with a 'hacker' reputation doesn't quite fit the family portrait."

Catherine nodded solemnly. "We had hoped for someone like the Henderson boys. Old money. Stately homes. Not someone who... sleeps in his car."

Leo, sensing the tension, smirked. He knew exactly who Julian was—he’d done his own digging after the Summit. But seeing the "Billionaire Heir" get lectured on poverty by his broke father was too funny to spoil.

"Give him a chance, Dad," Leo said, winking at Julian. "He’s very... resourceful. He once fixed a tractor for a farmer. That’s a 'foundation,' right?"

By the time dessert arrived, Julian had turned on the charm. He didn't use his money; he used his brain. He talked to Arthur about the history of the house, showing a genuine appreciation for the architecture. He helped Catherine fix the Wi-Fi router that had been broken for six months, and he listened to her stories about the "Vance Glory Days" with real empathy.

"You know," Arthur said, leaning back with a glass of port. "You’re a bit rough around the edges, Vane. And God knows where your people came from. But you’ve got backbone. And you clearly care for our Aria more than those Ivy League snobs she used to bring home."

"He’s actually quite darling," Catherine whispered to Aria. "Even if we have to buy him a new suit for the wedding."

As they walked back to the car, Julian let out a massive breath of relief. "They like me. They actually like 'Broke Julian'."

"They love you," Aria corrected, leaning her head on his shoulder. "But just wait until they find out you could buy their house, the street it’s on, and the city it’s in without checking your bank balance."

"Let's wait a little longer," Julian grinned, starting the engine of his junker car. "I want to see Leo’s face when I pull up in a Lamborghini next week."