To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 117

She'd been missing for three days—someone must have noticed by now.

If only she could get in touch with the outside world… but the very first day she arrived, they'd confiscated her phone.

"Ma'am, this soup was made by Mr. Vincent himself. You should really try to eat something. No matter what's going on, you need to take care of yourself."

Elara studied the woman, a spark of calculation flickering in her eyes.

"My hands are too weak. Feed me."

The middle-aged woman, relieved that Elara was finally willing to eat, let her guard down and stepped closer.

In a flash, Elara snatched up the spoon from the tray, snapped it clean against the table, and pressed the jagged edge to the woman's throat.

"Give me your phone."

The woman froze, terror-stricken. She'd never been in a situation like this before.

"Please, ma'am—my husband died protecting Mr. Hackett. I have no one left, no skills to speak of. Mr. Vincent is a good man; he let me stay on at the estate to help out. He really is kind… If there's been some misunderstanding between you and Mr. Vincent, please talk it out with him. Don't let things get out of hand."

"Spare me the sob story."

Elara jabbed the broken spoon a little harder, enough to break the skin. The woman blanched, her hands trembling as she fumbled a battered flip phone from her pocket.

Luckily, Elara had a photographic memory for numbers—one glance was all it took to recall every contact she'd need.

But who could she call for help?

She mentally riffled through her contacts, weighing who was most likely to save her.

Then she dialed.

"Don't move," she snapped at the woman, who now stood statue-still, too scared to even breathe loudly.

The phone rang and rang before someone finally picked up, silent on the other end.

"Mr. Lawrence? This is Elara."

The line crackled, and the man's tone shifted, more alert. "Is this Mrs. Vincent's number?"

"No, but let's keep this quick. I've been locked up, and I want to make a deal with you. My freedom—for information."

Jason Lawrence gave a soft, amused chuckle. "And what could Mrs. Vincent possibly have to offer me?"

Elara had no way of knowing if Adah would betray her, or if Jason would accept her offer.

That night, just as she drifted off to sleep, lights flickered on in the courtyard.

She rose quietly and tiptoed to the window, lifting the curtain just enough to peek outside.

Brian had arrived, and he'd brought Lina with him.

He lounged in a deck chair while Lina knelt at his feet, pouring him tea.

"Brother, I made some calming chamomile tea just for you. It'll help you sleep well tonight."

Brian stared at her, face unreadable. "You know what I dream about these days, do you?"

Lina lowered her eyes. "I also made some rosehip tea—should I bring some up for your wife?"

Brian's smile was gentle as he reached out to cup her chin, but his words cut like a knife.

"Did you have anything to do with what happened to Chuck?"

Lina's composure was flawless. "No. My mother might know Dr. Chamberlain, but I've only ever seen him at the hospital."