To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 107

Brian pulled out his phone and dialed Elara's number.

A robotic female voice answered: "The number you have dialed is no longer in service…"

He froze for a moment.

The old woman gave a derisive snort. "How long has it been since you called her? You didn't even know she changed her number?"

Brian lowered his phone, face unreadable. "I'll take your advice into consideration, Grandma."

"Tomorrow's board meeting, the shareholders, the company's stock price, the partners' attitudes… You've got your hands full. Pull yourself together. Right now, the only thing that matters is salvaging the Vincent family's reputation."

Brian stood up and headed for the door.

Felice called after him. "And what do you plan to do about that woman?"

"I'll handle it," Brian replied, his tone clipped.

The old woman's gaze sharpened. "Even at a time like this, you still can't let her go? Don't tell me you actually slept with her?"

"Grandma," Brian's voice was icy, "I never touched her. As for the rest... please, don't ask."

With that, he strode out of the room.

John Prescott stepped forward, speaking in a low voice. "Never thought the young missus would be so ruthless."

Felice gave a short laugh. "Not nearly as fierce as I was in my youth, but she's got potential. Maybe she can be molded—if she ever comes back."

John Prescott caught the hidden meaning. "Weren't you just testing the young master's attitude?"

The old woman looked toward the door where Brian had disappeared, sighing softly. "If Elara loves him, she'll be his greatest asset. But if she doesn't… she'll only hold him back. Honestly, I wish he'd just harden his heart."

Suddenly, something came to her. Her voice turned sharp. "John Prescott, I have a job for you."

…

Brian returned to Platinum Bay.

Mrs. Archer was still up.

The old house had called and asked her to prepare the first aid kit.

"Mr. Vincent, should I call the doctor to look at your injuries?"

If his wife were here, this would have fallen to her.

"She took everything that mattered with her," Mrs. Archer said quietly. "The rest, she told me to burn when she's truly gone."

Brian clenched his jaw. "Burn it and it's over? She wishes."

…

The next morning, Elara made breakfast in her new place, even fixing a plate for Summer.

She'd finally gotten the analysis back on the battery fragments she'd salvaged from the explosion. The next step was to track down which lab they'd come from.

Summer was eager to help, promising to ask around using her contacts.

Yesterday's Vincent family scandal had been the talk of the city, but today, it had vanished from the internet without a trace.

Elara couldn't help but admire Brian's PR skills.

Of course, even if nothing lingered online, the gossip about the step-siblings was still the favorite topic at every lunch table.

That afternoon, Elara skipped lunch at Ignition Dynamics and instead went to the local animal rescue.

She was relieved to see Chuck had turned over every cent she'd given him to the shelter, just as he'd promised.