To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 124

Elara finished her soup and set the bowl aside.

Remembering she was meeting Jason the next day, she asked, "So, about the death of the Lawrence family's second son. Was Jason behind it?"

"If Victor had proof, Jason would've been dealt with long ago. But if Jason were truly innocent, Victor wouldn't have dragged his illegitimate son into the family just to keep him in check. These family matters—who can ever say for sure?"

Elara hesitated, then ventured, "Do you know how to get a man you barely know to take his pants off?"

Summer stared at her, shocked. "Girl, you're still married. Aren't you worried Brian will chop you to pieces?"

—

The next day, Elara arrived at Jade House ten minutes early.

She'd been awarded a lifetime membership after that forehead injury last time. She didn't care much about it, but it made coming and going a lot easier.

It was the same private room as before. The secretary was already waiting at the door.

Elara blinked in surprise. "Is my phone running slow?"

The secretary gave her a practiced smile. "Mr. Lawrence said you'd prepared a surprise for him, so he's willing to wait."

Elara felt the subtle pressure, lowered her eyes, and slipped inside.

Jason was in his usual seat, sipping tea.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Lawrence."

She took the chair across from him.

Jason looked up, noting how much thinner she'd gotten in just a few days. He smirked. "Apparently, Mr. Vincent doesn't know how to take care of a woman. Or maybe he just doesn't bother if it's someone he doesn't care about."

Elara pressed her lips together. "Last time we met, I figured it'd be a one-off, so I didn't correct you. Please, call me Miss Jules."

A chill flickered at the edge of Jason's eyes.

So from the beginning, she'd never planned on working with him. She was only here now because circumstances forced her hand.

But he liked women who were adaptable and knew how to read the room.

"We can take things one deal at a time. I'm still happy to buy Miss Vincent's properties and jewelry—think of it as the start of a friendship."

"No need. I've already sold them at a discount."

She'd rather take less than his offer than ally herself with him. Her loyalty to the Vincent family was clear.

Jason's smile faded just a touch. "Then let's get on with this exchange. I hope the information you're bringing is worth as much as the help I've given you."

Ryan put a steadying hand on her shoulder, frowning. "You really need to watch where you're going."

Elara froze.

Ryan recovered quickly, glancing at her forehead. "All healed up, huh? Did you forget already?"

Disappointment flickered across her face as she glanced down at his pants, remembering what Rose had said: Ryan Linden has a birthmark on his hip.

But this wasn't the place to check.

"Thank you for helping me last time. I got you something," she said, opening her purse.

She'd stopped by the bakery next to the university that morning and bought a box of thumbprint cookies—the same kind Ryan Linden used to buy her all the time.

She'd planned to use them as an excuse to see him and maybe, just maybe, get a chance to check for that birthmark. Now, the opportunity had landed in her lap.

But as she pulled out the cookies, she spotted Brian getting out of his Mercedes just down the street.

"That wasn't a big deal. You don't have to thank me," Ryan replied, oblivious to Brian's approach as he faced away from the street.

Elara's heart started to race. If Brian saw her here with Ryan…