To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 135

But Elara didn't answer.

She and Summer discussed their next steps.

Breezewood City was about to host a new energy forum, and Summer had already arranged a meeting with an important potential client.

They decided to head to Breezewood City first. As for the bank withdrawing their loan, they'd deal with that issue when they returned.

After taking three days to recover—waiting for the bruises on her face to fade—Elara and Summer set out for Breezewood City by car.

But as soon as they arrived, Elara got a call from the client's secretary asking to reschedule the meeting for the evening.

That left them with half a day to kill.

Elara turned the steering wheel and headed somewhere else.

Summer, having just hung up the phone, glanced over with curiosity. "Where are we going?"

While waiting at a red light, Elara entered a new address into the GPS and replied, "Didn't you want me to find my family? After I was rescued from the canal as a child, I was brought to an orphanage here in Breezewood City."

A wave of painful memories washed over her, and her eyes lost focus for a moment.

"I wasn't there long, but maybe someone remembers something. It's worth asking, just in case."

…

Soon, they pulled up in front of "Riverside Children's Home."

But today, something important seemed to be happening there. The security guard spotted their car and immediately grew stern, waving them away with impatient gestures.

Elara stopped the car.

"I'm looking for... for Mother Carey Brown. Can I... can I go inside?"

Summer watched her curiously, staying silent.

She nodded. "Of course. Just tell me what you want to know, and I'll ask."

Riverside Children's Home was buzzing with activity.

A hundred or so kids were out on the playground, performing under the blazing sun.

There were a few empty spots in the center, and Summer didn't see any sign of the so-called VIPs. She kept walking toward the main building.

"Excuse me, who are you looking for?" A woman—probably a teacher—stopped her at the office entrance.

Summer's gaze grew serious. "Hi, I grew up here. I'd like to speak with Director Brown about my arrival at the orphanage. I'm trying to find my family."

"Today's not possible. Director Brown is busy with important guests. Come back another day," the teacher replied coolly.

"Funny, I won't have time another day. Just ten minutes with her, that's all I'm asking. If she refuses…" Summer put her hands on her hips and looked up the stairs, raising her voice just enough. "Then I suppose I'll just call up to her from here and ask in front of everyone."

"Wait!" The teacher, clearly worried she'd disturb the VIPs, relented. "Go wait in the director's office. I'll go get her for you."