To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 120

It's common knowledge that a married man's reputation rests on the stability of his home. Even a titan of business can be brought down if word gets out that he favors his mistress over his wife; the fallout isn't just a ruined name, but shaken shareholder confidence and years of built-up goodwill up in smoke.

Brian's situation was even more precarious—he carried the extra weight of scandalous rumor.

"Wasn't it your wife's best friend behind all this?" Lina pressed, her tone laced with accusation. "Security footage from the hotel on your anniversary night caught her coming and going. She must've helped your wife leak our photos."

She used her suspicion as a chance to throw Summer—Elara's friend—under the bus.

But Brian didn't even look up. "She's not capable of that."

Lina's retort died on her lips.

"Find out who's really behind it," Brian ordered Yves Caldwell.

Yves nodded. "Your mother's been trying to reach you. She couldn't get through, so she called me. She wants you to come home and see her."

Brian's face was unreadable. "Tell her you haven't seen me."

Elara had been locked away here for four or five days now, and Brian hadn't left her side. His mother's eyes and ears at the company had probably already reported everything back.

"So what's your plan if Elara tries to escape tonight?" Lina asked.

Brian gave a small smile and told Yves, "Get someone to fix the window right away, and double the patrols tonight."

Yves nodded and left to carry out the orders.

Brian turned to Lina. "Take off those clothes, wash them, and return them to her."

"Yes, sir."

Lina's eyes reddened as she walked to the door.

Brian's voice stopped her. "You may have been wronged, but you're still useful to me."

Lina understood—he wasn't letting her go.

But that wasn't enough. As long as Brian still cared for Elara, Lina had no chance. Only if he came to hate his wife would she have any hope.

She lowered her gaze. "As long as you're satisfied, that's all that matters."

She was never going to wait for nightfall.

The guards at the front gate recognized Lina's outfit from the morning and barely glanced at her before waving her through.

Elara had planned to hitch a ride with the workers, but their car was packed, and they didn't want to risk breaking the law. She had no choice but to head down the road on foot, running as fast as she could away from the estate.

But days without food quickly caught up to her. Her heart pounded, her breath grew ragged, and sweat beaded on her forehead.

Even worse, the sound of engines roared behind her.

They'd found her.

She watched the curve in the road disappear, hope draining away as several cars boxed her in.

Brian stepped out of the back seat, Lina at his side.

Lina's voice dripped with mockery. "Trying to escape in my old clothes, Elara? You look a lot more honest now than you did playing innocent this morning."