To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 100

Is it really fair for Lina to be stripped of everything—just like that?

"Elara is the darling of the Vincent family. She doesn't like my daughter, so my girl's supposed to pack her bags and leave home? Why should we put up with that? I won't accept it. I wanted Lina to stay, so I pretended to be ill and made Elara's life miserable. It was the only way I could vent my anger."

Lina's nails dug into her palm, cursing Nanette for being such a fool.

She knew what was coming. Now, thanks to Nanette's confession, she'd be sent away all over again.

"You—ah…" Gareth couldn't hide his disappointment. "Mother, I've been blind."

Felice, the family matriarch, didn't even bother to look at him.

"You think I dislike your wife because she comes from nothing? That woman looks like she was born to stir up trouble—wherever she goes, disaster follows. Only you treat her like she's some kind of treasure."

Gareth just stood there, full of regret, at a complete loss for words.

But Felice wasn't even angry. "You didn't fail me. You failed someone else."

Her words made Gareth turn to Brian.

But apologizing to his daughter-in-law? He just couldn't bring himself to do it.

"Brian, your aunt really crossed the line this time. I'll make her apologize to you and Elara."

Elara opened her mouth to speak, but Brian cut in. "That won't be necessary."

Elara gripped the armrest, tense.

Brian's eyes were steady. "Actually, Aunt Nanette wasn't lying about everything."

"What do you mean?" Gareth was confused, and so was Nanette.

Brian handed him the latest report from Rigel Medical Center. Nanette craned her neck to see.

But with just one glance, Nanette went ashen and collapsed to the floor.

Lina rushed to her side and read out the diagnosis. "Platelet count normal… but blood tumor markers are abnormally high… highly suspected… malignant bone tumor?"

"Mother, I'm your son."

Gareth never imagined it would come to this: not only would Nanette lose everything, but he'd lose all his privileges too. It was as if the sky had fallen.

"But you're Nanette's husband. She may be heartless, but you're still responsible for her. If you've got any backbone, start your own life. And if you ever make trouble for Elara again, I won't show mercy."

Felice finished, shooting Lina a sharp glare for good measure.

Just then, something happened to Elara.

Her eyes fluttered shut, breathing rapid, face drained of all color.

Brian grabbed Chuck. "Do something—now!"

Chuck's hands shook as he dialed 911 for an emergency code.

Felice rounded on her grandson, furious. "Are you even capable of protecting her? If not, then divorce her!"