To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 138

Since Mr. Holt had already made up his mind, he didn't press for more answers.

Dinner dragged on for more than two hours.

Outside, the rain had finally stopped.

Elara's clothes, once soaked through, were now just about half-dry against her skin.

"That woman did it on purpose! Let's just leave. I'm done with this deal, I've had enough," Summer muttered, her patience worn thin. She grabbed Elara's hand, ready to storm out.

But Elara held her back. "You really think just because Mr. Holt met with us tonight, the deal is as good as done?"

Summer blinked, confused.

Elara lowered her voice. "The more important the partnership, the more back-and-forth negotiation it takes. Think about where we stand right now—let's just grit our teeth and get through this."

Was this really coming from a housewife who'd been out of the workforce for four years?

Summer stared at Elara, as if seeing her in a whole new light.

Finally, the dinner ended. Mr. Holt, Brian, and Lina emerged from the private dining room.

As they crossed the lobby, Lina suddenly piped up, "They have really good pastries here. I'd like to take some home for a midnight snack."

Brian said nothing. Mr. Holt gave a polite smile. "Of course, Mrs. Vincent. I'm glad you enjoyed them."

Lina's cheeks flushed, but she didn't deny it, just looked down bashfully.

Brian's eyes were unreadable, dark as ink.

The breeze after the rain was icy, leaving Elara's hands and feet numb.

"Maybe we should head back," Summer suggested, noticing how pale Elara looked.

Elara shook her head. "Just a little longer," she murmured. She wasn't ready to give up yet.

At last, Lina collected her freshly boxed pastries, and Mr. Holt's group finally exited the restaurant.

The chauffeur from Quentin Heavy Industries had already pulled the car around.

As Mr. Holt was about to get in, Elara strode over, calling, "Mr. Holt!"

Quentin Holt paused, his hand on the car door.

Should he keep ignoring her? But she'd called out to him directly; to snub her now would be downright rude.

He glanced her way, feigning unfamiliarity. "And you are…?"

Elara had planned to introduce herself formally with her company and title, but at the last second, a new idea flashed through her mind.

"I'm Brian's wife."

Lina wanted to protest, to wheedle, but the warning in Brian's eyes silenced her instantly.

He didn't love her. That meant she had no leverage, no way to act out or push her luck in front of him. Elara, though… she could.

In the end, Lina climbed into the car in tears.

Watching in the rearview mirror as Brian got into a taxi, she asked, "Is he going to see Elara?"

Yves Caldwell kept his eyes on the road. "They're still married, aren't they? Even if they're staying together, what's the big deal?"

Lina fumed in silence, anger burning in her chest.

Back at the hotel, Elara came down with a high fever.

The over-the-counter fever reducer provided by the hotel was harsh on the body, so Summer insisted on trying to cool her down with damp towels first, then hurried out to buy proper medicine.

She'd barely left when Elara's phone buzzed.

Half-dazed, Elara answered. Ryan's voice came through the line. "I've drafted a new divorce agreement, based on what you asked for the other day. Do you have time to meet?"

Elara forced herself to focus. "Not right now—I'm on a business trip in Breezewood."

Ryan chuckled softly. "I'm at the café on the second floor of your hotel. Not coming down?"